Lagos faces shortage of 33,000 doctors – Health Commissioner

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Lagos State Government has revealed it is facing a shortage of 33,000 doctors, despite efforts to boost healthcare delivery in the state. Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, made this known during a press briefing at Alausa, Ikeja, held to mark the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.

Abayomi explained that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the ideal doctor-to-patient ratio is 1:200. However, Lagos, with a population of over 20 million, currently has only 7,000 doctors. “We have a shortage of 33,000 doctors,” he said, adding that Nigeria as a whole needs about 300,000 more doctors, with over 16,000 leaving the country in recent years.

Despite the challenges, the commissioner said Lagos is putting healthcare initiatives in place to close the gap. With over 18,000 staff across its primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities, he noted that the state is determined to tackle healthcare delivery issues head-on.

Abayomi also highlighted the state’s efforts to address brain drain by investing in cutting-edge technology and improving the flow of funds into the health sector. “We are planning strategically to address brain drain and promote brain gain. We have seen some diasporan doctors returning to Lagos either permanently or temporarily, and many are keying into our initiatives,” he said.

The commissioner stressed that the government is constructing climate-resilient health facilities, taking into account Lagos’s unique topography. “Many parts of Lagos are densely populated, so some of our facilities are heavily built with concrete, while others are adapted to sand-filled areas,” he explained.

He announced that the largest cancer centre in West Africa is located in Alausa, describing it as a comprehensive facility designed to provide specialized cancer care. In addition, three major secondary hospitals in Ojo, Lagos Island, and Ketu-Ejirin are scheduled for inauguration within the next 12 months.

Speaking on malaria, Abayomi urged residents to always go for proper tests when experiencing fever symptoms, warning that not every fever is malaria. “About 99% of fever cases are not malaria. People should get tested and consult a doctor before buying drugs,” he advised.

Abayomi expressed optimism that with current interventions, Lagos would be able to eliminate malaria within the next one or two years, significantly improving public health outcomes in the state.