The Lagos State Government and 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas have signed a 10-year agreement aimed at improving primary healthcare services, reducing maternal deaths, and expanding access to quality medical care across the state.

The Primary Health Care financing plan, which will run from 2026 to 2036, is designed to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve staffing levels, expand health insurance coverage, and introduce digital health systems at the grassroots level.

The agreement was reached during a two-day health sector retreat organised by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board in collaboration with development partners.

As part of the plan, the state intends to increase the number of functional Primary Health Care centres from about 340 to 600 over the next decade, with improved equipment and staffing.

Health officials say the initiative is necessary to address long-standing gaps in coordination and funding across federal, state, and local government health systems.

Lagos State authorities also highlighted a major shortage of medical personnel, noting that the state has about 7,000 doctors compared to an estimated requirement of 30,000.

The government said it is also expanding its health insurance programme to increase enrolment among residents, with officials stating that health coverage is expected to become a standard requirement for people living in the state.

Maternal health remains a key focus of the initiative, with authorities expressing concern over preventable deaths among women during childbirth. The new plan aims to significantly reduce maternal mortality through improved access to primary healthcare services.

The health financing compact is expected to guide healthcare development and investment decisions in Lagos over the next decade.