The Lagos State Health District V has intensified efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery through strategic community engagement with key stakeholders across four Local Government Areas (LGAs) and six Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
The Permanent Secretary of the district, Oladapo Asiyanbi, led the engagement session held recently at the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Secretariat Hall, bringing together representatives of the Local Government Health Authorities (LGHAs) and Ward Health Committees (WHCs).
The meeting focused on improving the performance of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, which provides direct funding to PHCs for the maintenance of the ‘Ilera Eko’ and National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
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These initiatives offer free maternal services and subsidised healthcare for other medical conditions.
Mr Asiyanbi expressed concern that many eligible residents, particularly indigent people, were not utilising the available healthcare services due to poor awareness and limited mobilisation.
“The funds have been disbursed, and service provision is available, yet many who should benefit are not coming forward. The resources are being underutilised,” he said.
“We must sensitise the people to take advantage of the free maternal services and ongoing health insurance programmes provided by the Lagos State Government.”
He tasked the LGHAs and WHCs with the responsibility of mobilising their communities to access PHC services, particularly immunisation, maternal healthcare, and the management of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension.
The Permanent Secretary also underscored the importance of community-level oversight, urging LGHA and WHC leaders to monitor service delivery, ensure sound financial management, and prioritise the welfare of residents within their localities.
“Health begins at the grassroots. If communities are properly served through PHCs, outbreaks like cholera can be prevented. Our people must not only be aware of these services but must also actively use them,” he added.
To further support healthcare delivery, Asiyanbi disclosed that Health District V had deployed an additional 20% workforce to PHCs, provided minor medical and laboratory equipment, and allocated supervision funds to local government health teams to improve community monitoring, regular meetings, and awareness campaigns.
He also directed all WHC chairpersons to remain fully involved in managing and overseeing the activities of their PHCs to ensure they are well-informed about service delivery outcomes and challenges.
Speaking at the engagement, Ahmad Bello, Director of Medical Services, stressed the importance of the session, particularly with new local government chairmen expected to assume office next month.
She urged LGHA and WHC representatives to maintain accurate data and a thorough understanding of their wards to ensure smooth transitions and continuity in healthcare delivery.
Mrs Elizabeth Oguntona, Director of Health Education and Health Promotion Services, also addressed participants, encouraging them to take lessons from the meeting back to their communities.
She highlighted upcoming health initiatives and called for strict adherence to compliance, accountability, and enforcement, warning that sanctions may be applied for non-compliance.
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Additionally, all LGHAs have been directed to reactivate their Immunisation Task Forces to monitor and report cases of vaccine refusal, especially in schools where immunisation is being rejected.
Mrs Asiyanbi reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to providing accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare, and called on community stakeholders to continue partnering with the government to achieve a healthier Lagos.
