Lagos NMA calls for dully equipped PHCs with doctors
Lagos NMA Chair Calls for Upgrades to Primary Healthcare Centres
LAGOS — Babajide Saheed, the Lagos State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has urged for significant improvements to all Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state. He emphasized the necessity for these facilities to be fully functional, well-equipped, and staffed with at least one medical doctor.
Saheed highlighted the importance of strengthening primary healthcare at the community level, asserting that it is vital for serving underserved populations and alleviating pressure on secondary and tertiary hospitals in Lagos. He pointed out that many residents, particularly in densely populated and low-income areas, still lack adequate access to nearby healthcare facilities. Consequently, they often face long travel distances or rely on inadequate alternatives for essential medical care.
In an interview, Saheed reiterated his position that the current number of PHCs in Lagos is insufficient for a state with a population exceeding 20 million. He noted that Lagos comprises 376 wards, with the ideal scenario being one fully operational PHC per ward to ensure equitable healthcare distribution at the community level.
The NMA chairman also expressed concerns regarding uneven distribution of medical personnel. He reported that while some PHCs have multiple doctors, others function without any medical staff. This disparity, he warned, can lead to delays in treatment, exacerbated health conditions, and preventable fatalities. Saheed stressed that early intervention at the primary care level is critical for disease prevention and better health outcomes.
According to Saheed, a strong and accessible primary healthcare system is essential for a functional and equitable health sector. Aligning the number of PHCs with the number of wards would enhance accessibility and responsiveness to community needs, he said. He further insisted that every PHC should have at least one doctor, arguing that an even distribution of medical professionals would rebuild public trust, improve care quality, and facilitate early detection of complications before higher-level referrals are required.
Additionally, Saheed urged the Lagos State government to bolster its healthcare workforce and consider partnerships with the private sector to enhance access to care. He suggested integrating private hospitals into the primary healthcare system to provide basic medical services at affordable rates, following successful models in other regions. He believes that such collaboration could alleviate congestion in major hospitals, lower healthcare costs, and ensure residents have access to essential medical services within their communities.
