LAGOS RANKS 8TH IN AFRICA FOR BEST HEALTHCARE: TESTAMENT TO COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS OF HEALTH SECTOR STAKEHOLDERS ®™√ INN Nigeria ©

A recent ranking by Numbeo, shows Lagos secures the 8th position for the best healthcare system in Africa, marking a significant achievement attributed to collaborative efforts within the health sector.

Numbeo’s Health Index analysis considered various factors, including the caliber of healthcare professionals, quality of infrastructure, modern diagnostic tools, cost of care, and convenience of services.

The algorithm revealed that Lagos, with its expanding high-tech hospitals in both public and private sectors, stands among the top cities in Africa for healthcare.

This recognition highlights the dedication and collaboration of stakeholders in Lagos State, placing it alongside renowned cities like Cape Town, Pretoria, and Nairobi.

The commendable achievement is a testament to the strategic leadership of successive administrations, starting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who initiated the healthcare reform two decades ago.

The Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) in healthcare has thrived, particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing effective policies and infrastructural development.

Private sector contributions, spurred by initiatives from the Lagos Ehingbeti annual strategy summits, played a pivotal role in augmenting resources and expanding healthcare access to the city’s 25 million residents.

Key institutions like LASUTH and LUTH, despite challenges like the pandemic and brain drain, have been at the forefront of research and specialized healthcare.

The collaboration of all three tiers of government – local, state, and federal – has been crucial in creating an environment conducive to healthcare advancements.

Past and present Commissioners for Health, notably Dr. Leke Pitan, Dr. Jide Idris, and Prof. Akin Abayomi, have demonstrated visionary leadership, contributing significantly to the city’s healthcare progress.

Prof. Abayomi’s commitment to infrastructure transformation, PPPs, CSR, and diaspora collaborations has played a vital role in widening healthcare access.

The dedicated health workforce, facing challenges like Ebola and COVID-19, deserves recognition for ensuring enhanced access to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for Lagosians.

Commissioner Akin Abayomi attributes Lagos’s healthcare strides to consistent strategic policies, political will, and combined efforts across administrations, regulatory bodies, private sector investments, and healthcare institutions.

While recognizing the current achievements, Commissioner Abayomi remains optimistic about Lagos’s potential as a medical tourism destination.

The government expresses gratitude to donor agencies and partners, including WHO, Global Fund, BMGF, EU, GIZ, for supporting healthcare gains.

In conclusion, Lagos’s rise in healthcare rankings signifies a synergy between public and private sectors, successive administrations, effective governance, and healthcare institutions’ dedication.

This recognition reaffirms Lagos as a hub for quality healthcare and encourages continued growth and innovation in the sector.

Lagos remains committed to excellence, fostering a healthcare environment for the well-being of its populace and continuous improvement in standards and accessibility.