Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unveiled a roadmap aimed at building a sustainable healthcare system, saying his administration is shifting its focus from delivering projects to establishing institutions and systems that will guarantee quality, accessible and affordable healthcare for future generations.
The governor made this known on Thursday at the Eko Health Convention 2026 in Victoria Island, themed “Building a Healthier Lagos: Connecting Access with Excellence.”
Sanwo-Olu said the state government remains committed to expanding access to quality healthcare through wider health insurance coverage, improved infrastructure, digital innovation and stronger partnerships.
He disclosed that more than 1.5 million residents have enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme, Ilera Eko, following the domestication of the National Health Insurance Authority Act, which makes social health insurance mandatory for all residents.
The governor also revealed that the Lagos State Health Management Agency’s Assistance in Distress initiative has saved 18 lives by ensuring emergency patients receive treatment before payment is demanded.
According to him, the administration has strengthened healthcare delivery over the past seven years by decentralising primary healthcare into six health districts, reducing patient waiting time and improving service delivery. He added that maternal and child centres, mobile clinics and free healthcare campaigns have expanded access to underserved communities.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted ongoing investments in new general hospitals, climate-smart primary healthcare centres, a children’s hospital and a mental health institute at Ketu-Ejirin. He also reiterated the government’s zero tolerance for quackery and substandard healthcare practices.
He announced progress on the Lagos Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP), a digital health records system being deployed across public health facilities to improve patient care, disease surveillance and healthcare planning.
The governor called on the private sector, development partners and healthcare professionals to support the state’s vision of building a resilient healthcare system, while urging residents to enrol in health insurance, embrace preventive healthcare and report unlicensed medical practitioners.
Speaking during a moderated session at the convention, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat said the future of healthcare depends not only on modern facilities and technology but also on investing in healthcare workers.
Hamzat paid tribute to frontline health workers for their commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic and described the convention as an important platform for collaboration among government, healthcare professionals, the private sector and development partners.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Health Akin Abayomi said the state government is expanding healthcare infrastructure and specialist services as part of efforts to position Lagos as a leading medical tourism destination in Africa.
He added that the government is creating an enabling environment to attract Nigerian healthcare professionals in the diaspora by providing facilities for advanced medical practice.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Kemi Ogunyemi, said the state government is implementing reforms to strengthen the healthcare system and create an enabling environment for health workers to thrive.