The Lagos State Government has raised concern over a dire shortage of healthcare personnel, disclosing that the state needs an additional 66,000 medical professionals to meet the healthcare demands of its rapidly growing population.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, revealed this on Wednesday during a media briefing to commemorate the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
According to Abayomi, Lagos, with a population of over 30 million residents, currently has only 7,000 doctors—far below the number required for effective and accessible healthcare delivery.
He noted that the state also lacks 33,000 nurses.
To address this gap, the government is relying on its recently established University of Medicine and Health (UMH), which is expected to produce approximately 2,500 healthcare professionals annually within the next five years.
These will include not only doctors and nurses but also laboratory scientists and other essential health personnel.
“The launch of UMH is a strategic move to build a sustainable pipeline of healthcare workers,” the commissioner said.
Abayomi also disclosed that health insurance coverage remains low among residents.
Only 1,252,959 individuals—about 4.17 percent of the population—are currently enrolled under the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme, which operates through 419 accredited health facilities.
However, he expressed optimism that the recent implementation of a mandatory health insurance policy would significantly improve healthcare financing and expand access to services.
On infrastructure development, the commissioner provided updates on major ongoing health projects. The 150-bed Massey Street Children’s Specialist Hospital is now 70 percent complete.
Similarly, the 280-bed General Hospital and Staff Quarters in Iba, Ojo, has reached 75 percent completion, while construction of the Mental Health Institute in Epe stands at 65 percent.
All three facilities are expected to be commissioned by April 2026.
In terms of public health, Abayomi said the state is intensifying efforts to curb the spread of HIV.
Currently, 135,224 Lagosians are living with the virus, with over 100 religious leaders enlisted as ambassadors in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
He added that the state has also ramped up cervical cancer prevention efforts, conducting free screenings for 154,228 women and providing thermal ablation treatment to 8,613 beneficiaries.
The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare system and improving access to quality medical services for all Lagosians.