LAGOS, NIGERIA — Lagos State’s public hospitals have recorded a sharp increase in patient patronage, with outpatient attendance doubling in the last six months amid improved service delivery and rising confidence in the state’s healthcare system.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, disclosed this on Friday during a media briefing in Lagos, where he presented an overview of the state’s healthcare delivery performance. He noted that the increase in patronage was a direct result of the current administration’s deliberate investments in health infrastructure, personnel, and service quality across primary, secondary, and tertiary facilities.
“In the last six months, we have seen outpatient attendance in our public hospitals double. We are now seeing thousands of patients daily across our facilities,” Abayomi stated. “This is not by accident. It is the result of deliberate investments in our health system, and it is a strong indication that our people are regaining confidence in public healthcare.”
The Commissioner attributed the surge in patient numbers to several factors, including the rehabilitation and equipping of general hospitals and primary healthcare centres, the employment of additional medical personnel, and the introduction of digital health records and improved patient management systems. He also cited the expansion of the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme, which has made healthcare more affordable for residents.
Abayomi revealed that the state government had also reduced waiting times in hospitals, improved the supply of drugs and medical consumables, and upgraded diagnostic equipment in key facilities. He noted that the improvements were particularly noticeable in high-burden areas such as maternal and child health, emergency care, and the management of non-communicable diseases.
“We have moved from a situation where patients queued for hours without being attended to, to a system where services are more efficient and patient-friendly. This is what good governance in healthcare looks like,” he said.
The Commissioner also announced that the state would soon commence the recruitment of additional doctors, nurses, and other health professionals to meet the growing demand for services. He said the government was also investing in the training and retraining of health workers to ensure they remain at the forefront of modern medical practice.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Service Commission, Dr. Ademola Adeleke, who spoke at the briefing, said the increase in patient patronage had implications for the workload of health workers. He urged the state government to sustain investment in human resources and infrastructure to prevent burnout among staff.
The Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, described the increase in patient patronage as a positive development but stressed the need for continuous investment in the health sector. He called for the upgrading of more facilities and the expansion of the health insurance scheme to cover more residents.
Residents who spoke to journalists at some of the hospitals confirmed the improvement in services. Mrs. Aisha Bello, a resident of Surulere, said she had stopped visiting private clinics because of the improved quality of care at the general hospital. “The doctors are more attentive now, and the drugs are available. The service has really improved,” she said.
The Lagos State Government has allocated a significant portion of its 2026 budget to the health sector, with a focus on infrastructure upgrade, equipment procurement, and personnel training. The state aims to achieve universal health coverage by 2030 and has set a target of enrolling at least 70 per cent of residents in the health insurance scheme by that date.
