Sanwo-Olu launches next phase of health sector reforms, pushes mandatory insurance

By Doris Obinna

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled a new phase of healthcare reforms aimed at achieving universal health coverage, declaring that his administration is shifting from delivering projects to building enduring institutions that will guarantee quality, accessible and affordable healthcare for generations.

Sanwo-Olu at the opening of the second Eko Health Convention, on Thursday in Lagos, said mandatory health insurance, digital health systems, stronger institutions and expanded healthcare infrastructure would drive the next phase of reforms in Africa’s most populous city.

He disclosed that more than 1.5 million residents have enrolled in the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme following the domestication of the National Health Insurance Authority Act, describing mandatory health insurance as the cornerstone of universal health coverage.

The governor said innovative initiatives such as the Ilera Eko EasyPay platform, which allows residents to pay insurance premiums in instalments, the Equity Fund for vulnerable groups and the LASHMA Assistance in Distress programme are widening access to healthcare while protecting residents from catastrophic medical expenses.
Sanwo-Olu also announced accelerated investments in healthcare infrastructure, including the completion of the Massey Children’s Specialist Hospital, the Lagos Mental Health Institute and other general hospitals, alongside the rollout of climate-smart primary healthcare centres and mobile medical outreach programmes.
On digital transformation, he unveiled the Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP), which will integrate patients’ medical records across primary healthcare centres, general hospitals and teaching hospitals, saying artificial intelligence, electronic medical records and data analytics would strengthen diagnosis, disease surveillance, emergency response and health planning.
Acknowledging the shortage of health professionals, the governor said government is improving workers’ welfare, recruiting more personnel and establishing a dedicated University of Medicine and Health Sciences to boost manpower for the sector.
“We have moved beyond projects to building institutions that will outlive this administration. Healthcare is not a privilege for a few but a right for all,” he said.
Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat said the state has become more resilient after seven years of reforms, attributing the progress to investments in infrastructure, decentralised governance through Health Districts and expanded health insurance coverage.
He praised healthcare workers for their sacrifices, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that no health system can succeed without a motivated workforce.
Also, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi said the convention provides an opportunity to assess implementation of the Lagos Health Sector Strategic Master Plan, adding that projects such as the Massey Children’s Specialist Hospital, the Mental Health Institute and the proposed University of Medicine and Health Sciences are positioning Lagos as a leading healthcare hub in Africa.
Meanwhile, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, said the state has recorded significant progress in strengthening primary healthcare, emergency preparedness, disease surveillance and workforce development, while digital innovations are improving efficiency across the health system.
Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Hon. Musbau Aina-Lawal, commended the Ministry of Health for sustaining the Eko Health Convention, describing it as a vital platform for assessing progress in the health sector. He pledged the Assembly’s continued legislative support for reforms aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery.
Permanent Secretary, Health Service Commission, Dr. Femi Omololu, said healthcare must go beyond treatment to embrace affordability, accessibility and quality. Using the contrasting experiences of two women to illustrate health inequalities, he urged stakeholders to build a system that guarantees every Lagos resident access to safe, affordable and quality healthcare close to home.
On her part, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, showcased how digital innovation is transforming social health insurance through electronic enrolment, telemedicine, emergency response, electronic authorisation and flexible premium payments. She said technology is helping to expand healthcare access while ensuring that quality care is not determined by income or location.
Permanent Secretary, Health District V, Dr. Dapo Asiyanbi, said ongoing governance reforms have improved primary healthcare by reducing waiting times and increasing patient satisfaction. He stressed that bringing healthcare services closer to communities remains critical to achieving universal health coverage and strengthening the state’s healthcare system.
Executive Secretary, Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), Dr. Victoria Egunjobi, called on healthcare providers to prioritise patient safety and uphold the ethical principle of “first, do no harm.” She said the agency is strengthening quality assurance by moving beyond routine licensing to comprehensive accreditation and standardisation of health facilities across Lagos.
Former Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, and Commissioner I, Lagos State Health Service Commission, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, expressed satisfaction that the Eko Health Convention has evolved into an annual platform for shaping healthcare policy and reforms. He said discussions from the maiden edition have already influenced major health initiatives and expressed confidence that this year’s convention would generate fresh ideas for improving healthcare delivery.
President, Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, Njide Ndili, reaffirmed the private sector’s commitment to supporting Lagos in achieving universal health coverage. She said stronger collaboration among government, private healthcare providers and development partners is essential to delivering sustainable and accessible healthcare for residents.
Mental health advocate and founder of Genevieve Magazine, Betty Irabor, urged Nigerians to pay greater attention to their physical and mental wellbeing. Drawing from her personal experience with depression, she encouraged regular exercise, healthy nutrition and intentional self-care, while commending the organisers for giving mental health a prominent place in discussions on healthcare transformation.
The Eko Health Convention 2026 continues today, August 7, with technical sessions focusing on digital transformation, healthcare financing, patient safety, primary healthcare, innovation and others.