Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unveiled a long-term roadmap for building a sustainable healthcare system, saying his administration is focused on creating enduring institutions that will deliver quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare for generations.
Eko Hot News reports that Governor Sanwo-Olu made the disclosure at the Eko Health Convention 2026 held in Victoria Island. The convention, themed “Building a Healthier Lagos: Connecting Access with Excellence,” brought together government officials, healthcare professionals, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to discuss the future of healthcare in Lagos State.
The event also featured the sub-theme, “Leveraging Digital Innovation and Strategic Partnership for Better Outcomes,” highlighting the growing role of technology and collaboration in strengthening healthcare delivery.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration is shifting its focus from simply delivering healthcare projects to building resilient systems that will continue serving residents for many years.
He explained that the goal is to establish strong institutions capable of providing quality healthcare regardless of future changes in government.
According to the Governor, Lagos is committed to improving healthcare access through expanded health insurance, modern infrastructure, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships.
He disclosed that more than 1.5 million residents have enrolled in the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme following the domestication of the National Health Insurance Authority Act, which makes social health insurance mandatory for all residents.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the increasing enrolment reflects growing public confidence in the state’s healthcare reforms and its commitment to universal health coverage.
He also revealed that the Lagos State Health Management Agency’s Assistance in Distress (AID) initiative has already saved 18 lives by ensuring that emergency patients receive immediate medical attention before payment is requested.
The Governor noted that his administration has significantly expanded healthcare access over the past seven years by decentralising primary healthcare services into six health districts.
According to him, the initiative has reduced patient waiting time while improving healthcare delivery across communities.
He added that maternal and child centres, mobile clinics, and free healthcare outreach programmes have further expanded access to medical services, particularly in underserved areas.
Speaking on infrastructure development, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted ongoing investments in new general hospitals, climate-smart primary healthcare centres, a children’s hospital, and a mental health institute located in Ketu-Ejirin.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining high professional standards by discouraging unlicensed medical practice and promoting quality healthcare services.
The Governor also announced continued progress on the Lagos Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP), a digital health records system designed to improve patient care, disease surveillance, healthcare planning, and service coordination across public health facilities.
He described digital transformation as a key pillar of the state’s strategy to build a modern and efficient healthcare system.
Governor Sanwo-Olu called on private sector organisations, development partners, healthcare professionals, and investors to support the state’s vision of creating a resilient and globally competitive healthcare sector.
He also encouraged Lagos residents to enrol in health insurance schemes, embrace preventive healthcare practices, and support efforts to improve healthcare quality across the state.
During a one-on-one conversation moderated by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat emphasised the importance of investing in healthcare professionals.
He said sustainable healthcare development depends not only on modern hospitals and advanced technology but also on a well-trained, motivated, and adequately supported workforce.
Dr. Hamzat praised frontline healthcare workers for their professionalism and dedication, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, describing their contributions as invaluable to the state’s public health response.
He noted that the convention provides an important platform for collaboration among government, healthcare institutions, development partners, and the private sector.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to building a healthcare system that is more accessible, affordable, and efficient.
He disclosed that the state is expanding specialist healthcare services and infrastructure to position Lagos as one of Africa’s leading medical tourism destinations.
Prof. Abayomi added that the government is creating an enabling environment that encourages Nigerian healthcare professionals in the diaspora to return home and practise advanced medical specialties.
The convention also featured the presentation of Eko Health Awards, recognising outstanding healthcare professionals and institutions for their contributions to improving healthcare delivery in Lagos State.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, said ongoing reforms are strengthening the healthcare system while creating better opportunities for healthcare workers to thrive.
Stakeholders at the convention agreed that stronger partnerships, digital innovation, strategic investment, and continuous workforce development remain essential for achieving sustainable healthcare in Lagos.
The discussions concluded with renewed optimism that the state’s healthcare roadmap will improve access, strengthen service delivery, and position Lagos as a leading destination for quality healthcare in Africa.
