Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unveiled a new phase of healthcare reforms aimed at expanding access, strengthening health insurance and improving service delivery across the state.
Speaking at the second Eko Health Convention in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said the government was shifting from simply executing healthcare projects to building institutions capable of delivering quality and affordable healthcare beyond individual administrations.
He said more than 1.5 million residents have enrolled in the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme (LASHMA), following the state’s 2024 policy making health insurance mandatory. The government has also introduced instalment payments through Ilera Eko EasyPay and continues to subsidise premiums for vulnerable residents.
Sanwo-Olu said the state was investing in healthcare infrastructure, including the Massey Children’s Specialist Hospital, Lagos Mental Health Institute and several general hospitals. He added that healthcare administration has been decentralised across six Health Districts to bring services closer to residents.
The governor also announced the implementation of the Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP), which will integrate electronic medical records across primary healthcare centres, general hospitals and teaching hospitals. The system will use artificial intelligence and data analytics to support diagnosis, disease surveillance, emergency response and policymaking.
Addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals, Sanwo-Olu said the state had begun fresh recruitment, improved workers’ welfare and approved the establishment of a University of Medicine and Health Sciences to train doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat and Commissioner for Health Akin Abayomi highlighted the role of continued investment, workforce development and digital transformation in strengthening the health system, while urging greater collaboration with private investors and development partners.
The governor urged residents to enrol in health insurance and prioritise preventive healthcare, while the convention continues with sessions on healthcare financing, digital transformation, patient safety, primary healthcare and public-private partnerships.
