The Lagos State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Babajide Saheed, has called for a comprehensive upgrade of all Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state, mandating that each facility be fully functional, properly equipped, and staffed with at least one medical doctor. He argues that strengthening community-level primary care is essential to serve underserved populations and alleviate overcrowding at secondary and tertiary hospitals.
Dr. Saheed highlighted that many residents, particularly in densely populated and low-income areas, lack access to nearby PHCs, forcing them to travel long distances or rely on inadequate alternatives for basic treatment. He reiterated that the current number of PHCs is insufficient for Lagos State’s estimated population of over 20 million. With 376 administrative wards in the state, he stressed that each ward should ideally host a fully operational PHC to ensure equitable service distribution at the grassroots level.
A significant concern raised is the uneven distribution of medical manpower. While some PHCs have multiple doctors, others operate without any, leading to treatment delays, deteriorating health conditions, and preventable fatalities. Dr. Saheed emphasized that early intervention at the primary care level is vital for disease prevention and improved health outcomes, positioning a robust PHC system as the backbone of an efficient and equitable health sector.
Aligning the number of PHCs with the number of wards, he explained, would make healthcare more accessible and responsive to community needs. Ensuring at least one doctor per centre would enhance public confidence, improve care quality, and enable early detection of complications before referral to higher-level facilities.
Dr. Saheed also urged the state government to explore partnerships with the private sector to expand access. Integrating private hospitals into the primary care network could provide affordable basic services, following existing models. Such collaboration, he noted, would reduce congestion in major public hospitals, lower costs, and bring essential medical services closer to residents.
The call underscores a pivotal strategy for transforming Nigeria’s healthcare delivery by prioritising preventive and community-based care, with direct implications for health equity and system sustainability in one of Africa’s most populous urban centres.
