The Lagos State Government has revealed a significant shortfall in its healthcare workforce, stating that the state requires an additional 33,000 doctors and 33,000 nurses to adequately meet the medical needs of its population, which is estimated at around 30 million.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, during a media session held to mark the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
According to Abayomi, only 7,000 doctors are currently providing services across Lagos, a figure that falls well below the requirement for quality healthcare delivery in a densely populated state like Lagos.
To address the workforce gap, he noted that the recently established University of Medicine and Health (UMH) is expected to play a critical role.
The institution aims to produce approximately 2,500 healthcare professionals each year over the next five years, including not only doctors but also laboratory scientists and other essential medical staff.
The commissioner also expressed concern about the low enrollment in the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme, with only 1,252,959 residents—about 4.17% of the population—currently subscribed.
He added that 419 health centres are part of the scheme.
However, with the rollout of a new mandatory health insurance policy, he expressed hope that both funding and access to care would improve.
On the state’s ongoing health infrastructure projects, Abayomi reported steady progress. The 150-bed Massey Street Children’s Specialist Hospital is about 70% completed, while the 280-bed General Hospital in Iba, along with its staff quarters, is 75% done.
Construction of the Mental Health Institute in Epe has reached 65% completion. All three facilities are expected to be commissioned by April 2026.
He also provided updates on public health indicators. Currently, over 135,000 residents of Lagos are living with HIV.
To support the fight against the virus, more than 100 religious leaders have been engaged as community ambassadors.
Additionally, 154,228 women have undergone free cervical cancer screening, with 8,613 receiving thermal ablation treatment.