Lagos faces severe shortage of 40,000 doctors and nurses, requires N100bn additional health funding
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced a significant deficit of approximately 40,000 doctors and 40,000 nurses in the state's health sector. He also stated that the sector needs at least N100bn above current budgetary allocations to adequately serve its growing population. The governor highlighted that donor funding for disease control is shrinking. Despite these challenges, Sanwo-Olu noted that the state has aggressively recruited health workers, improved welfare packages, and plans to establish a University of Medicine and Health Sciences. He also reported that over 1.5 million residents are now enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme, Ilera Eko, and the Lagos State Health Management Agency’s Assistance in Distress programme has saved 18 lives since March. Additionally, the government is implementing the Lagos Smart Health Information Platform and investing in artificial intelligence to enhance healthcare delivery and ensure reforms continue beyond his tenure.
