(DDM) – The Lagos Island Local Government and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) chairmen have announced plans to commence 24-hour healthcare services across all primary health centres within their jurisdictions.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the initiative was revealed during a meeting with Lagos State Health District IV management, led by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Abimbola Bowale, who commended the council leaders for their continued investment in community health.
Dr. Bowale expressed appreciation for the chairmen’s efforts and assured residents that the primary health centres would soon begin round-the-clock operations to ensure uninterrupted access to medical care.
He also congratulated the council leaders on their recent electoral victories and urged them to sustain their commitment to grassroots healthcare delivery.
Hon. Muibi Alade Folawiyo, Chairman of Lagos Island East LCDA, pledged close collaboration with Health District IV to upgrade primary healthcare centres to match the standard of Lagos State general hospitals.
Folawiyo disclosed that his administration had enrolled 350 residents under the state’s free Ilera Eko health insurance programme and provided financial support to indigent patients unable to pay hospital bills.
He further announced plans to establish a special task force to enhance immunisation campaigns and ensure that no child on Lagos Island is left unvaccinated.
In recognition of his efforts, Folawiyo was recently honoured as the “Best Chairman on Road and Infrastructure Development” in Nigeria.
Similarly, Hon. Taiwo Ajibade Oyekan, Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in local health facilities and improving staff welfare.
Oyekan called on the Lagos State Government to deploy more medical personnel to boost the efficiency of healthcare delivery, noting that his council remains the only one currently paying minimum wage to ad-hoc medical workers.
He emphasised that the success of the proposed 24-hour health service depends on strong inter-governmental cooperation and adequate staffing to sustain continuous service delivery.
Both chairmen, along with Dr. Bowale, concluded the meeting with a joint declaration to strengthen collaboration between local councils, the health district, and community stakeholders.
They noted that the goal is to ensure that residents of Lagos Island, regardless of their location or financial status, can access essential medical services at any hour of the day.
The initiative, according to observers, could mark a major step toward healthcare transformation in Lagos State if properly implemented, though concerns remain about the shortage of qualified doctors and medical staff across public hospitals.
Public health experts have also advised that the government must prioritise training, staff motivation, and resource allocation to make the 24-hour healthcare dream a sustainable reality.
As the discussions continue, residents are hopeful that the promised changes will translate into improved health outcomes and reduced waiting times in Lagos Island’s healthcare facilities.