Lagos Is In Need Of 30,000 Medical Doctors – Health Commissioner

Professor Akin Abayomi, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, has revealed that the state’s healthcare system is severely lacking in medical professionals.

Abayomi disclosed that the state lacks the 30,000 medical personnel required to meet its healthcare demands during his remarks on Wednesday, July 10, at the ongoing 2024 Clean-Air Forum in Lagos. An overworked and overstretched workforce is finding it difficult to manage the doctor-to-patient ratio as a result of this deficiency.

“The dearth of medical doctors in Lagos has overstretched the available officials, making it challenging to bridge the gap in the available doctor-to-patient ratio. Brain drain has significantly contributed to this personnel deficit,” the commissioner stated.

Abayomi underlined the necessity of interagency cooperation in order to solve the situation and the state’s need for additional medical personnel in order to serve its quickly expanding populace.

“Lagos’ annual population growth rate of 6-8% poses significant challenges, including a complex tuberculosis index, which we are actively working to address,” he said.

The commissioner urged cooperation between several authorities and emphasised the significance of lowering environmental pollution and enhancing air quality.

“We will continue to support every effort to improve air quality, reduce airborne and waterborne diseases, and enhance the health and well-being of residents,” he assured.

Addressing concerns about the shortage of bed spaces in state health centres, Abayomi said: “We are working to address this issue by constructing modern facilities and establishing a medical research institution, which will bridge the gap within 18 months and provide improved services to the public.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli