The Lagos State Government has announced that three major health infrastructure projects — the 150-bed New Massey Children Hospital on Lagos Island, the General Hospital in Ojo, and the Psychiatric Hospital in Ketu-Ejirin — will be ready for inauguration by April 2026.
The State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed this on Wednesday during a ministerial press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, to commemorate the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
Prof. Abayomi noted that the hospitals are at 70 percent completion, adding that the government remains focused on expanding access to quality healthcare across the state.
Tackling Brain Drain and Driving Health Reforms
Speaking on broader sectoral reforms, the commissioner revealed that over 17,000 Nigerian doctors had emigrated in the last six years. However, Lagos State has been proactively addressing this challenge by introducing measures to reverse brain drain and promote brain gain.
“We’ve turned the tide,” he said, noting that the state has employed over 7,000 doctors, built residential quarters for healthcare workers, and is upskilling professionals to retain talent.
Digital Health, Cancer Care, and Public-Private Partnerships
Prof. Abayomi highlighted the development of a Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP) to enable real-time data management and decision-making, as part of Lagos’ strategy to deliver universal health coverage through mandatory insurance policies and digital transformation.
He further announced that the state is set to break ground for the Lagos State Comprehensive Cancer Diagnostic Center, as well as launch Lagos State Medical Industry and Innovation Zone (LASMIZO) through strong public-private partnerships aimed at transforming healthcare delivery.
Health Regulation and Biosecurity
Addressing growing concerns over unregulated herbal medicine, Prof. Abayomi warned that it is illegal to practice without a license and urged residents to be cautious about the safety and efficacy of products they consume.
“Anything you buy that isn’t regulated could harm you. We have the laws and penalties in place,” he stated.
Disease Surveillance, Maternal Health, and Infrastructure
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, reported that the recent diphtheria outbreak in the state has been effectively curtailed through aggressive immunization.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to reducing maternal mortality, improving malaria prevention, and raising awareness on tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases. Efforts are also ongoing to ensure all medical facilities are climate-resilient and energy-sustainable.
The administration is working on new fit-for-purpose primary healthcare centers and robust general medical facilities that reflect global best practices.