Lagos Convenes Landmark Dialogue to Strengthen Primary Healthcare

In an unprecedented move to revolutionize grassroots healthcare, the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) convened the first-ever Joint Leadership Dialogue this Tuesday. The event brought together Local Government and LCDA Chairmen from across the state to align their strategies for strengthening the Primary Health Care (PHC) system.

Hon. Musbau Lawal, Chairman of the House Committee on Health, addressed the gathering, describing PHCs as the bedrock of any effective health system. While he commended the state for its investment in building and equipping these facilities, he stressed that infrastructure alone is insufficient without strong governance, adequate security, and consistent power and water supply.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, highlighted the strategic importance of the meeting, noting that grassroots leaders are the primary drivers of universal health coverage. He pointed out that critical metrics, such as maternal and infant mortality rates and health insurance enrollment, depend heavily on the efficiency and funding of local government health initiatives.

​The Permanent Secretary of the LSPHCB, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, called the dialogue a "defining call to action," urging Local Government Chairmen to take full ownership of the PHCs in their domains. He emphasized that active local leadership and routine supervision not only improve patient outcomes but also significantly boost the morale of frontline health workers.

​The summit concluded with a unanimous resolution by the LG and LCDA Chairmen to deepen their commitment to healthcare through revitalized PHC facilities. This partnership aims to reduce the burden on secondary and tertiary hospitals by ensuring that quality, equitable care is available to every resident at the community level.