Lagos Needs 66,000 More Health Workers – Prof. Abayomi

The Lagos State Government yesterday highlighted a severe shortage of medical personnel, stating that the state needs 33,000 additional doctors and 33,000 nurses to meet the healthcare needs of its expanding population.

This was revealed by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, during a media briefing marking the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.

Currently, Lagos has about 7,000 doctors serving an estimated population of 30 million—far below what is required for effective healthcare delivery.

To tackle the shortfall, Prof. Abayomi said the state is focusing on boosting capacity through the University of Medicine and Health (UMH), which is expected to produce around 2,500 healthcare professionals annually within five years.

The commissioner also noted that enrollment in the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme remains low, with only 1,252,959 people—4.17 percent of the population—currently covered.

A total of 419 health facilities are part of the scheme.

He expressed hope that the new mandatory health insurance policy would improve healthcare funding.

On infrastructure, Prof. Abayomi shared updates on key projects.

The 150-bed Massey Street Children’s Specialist Hospital is 70 percent complete, while the 280-bed General Hospital and Staff Quarters in Iba, Ojo, is 75 percent finished.

The Mental Health Institute in Epe has reached 65 percent completion.

All three projects are expected to be commissioned by April 2026.

He also provided updates on public health.

According to him, 135,224 residents are living with HIV, and over 100 religious leaders have been engaged as ambassadors in the fight against the virus. Additionally, 154,228 women have received free cervical cancer screenings, with 8,613 undergoing thermal ablation treatment.