Lagos State is developing a three-year strategy to address gaps in its primary healthcare system as health authorities warn that population growth, malnutrition, workforce shortages and disease outbreaks are placing increasing pressure on facilities delivering most healthcare services in the state.
The Lagos State Primary Health Care Board last week conducted a three-day strategic planning workshop with support from the World Bank-backed IMPACT Project and the participation of chairmen of Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas.
The proposed plan is expected to establish a baseline for primary healthcare services across Lagos, identify infrastructure and workforce gaps, assign responsibilities among government institutions and development partners, and provide a costed framework for investment over the next three years.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said primary healthcare would be central to meeting the needs of the state’s growing population and achieving its long-term development objectives.
Abayomi said “about 70 per cent of healthcare delivery takes place at the primary healthcare level”, making the facilities the foundation of the wider health system.
