HEAD OF SERVICE HARPS ON INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM 

… As Health District III Sets Agenda For Y2024 

The Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro has tasked the staff of the State Health District III to focus on creating an Innovative Healthcare System that will guarantee Universal Health Coverage for residents of the State.

Speaking at the just concluded maiden edition of the Health District III Management Retreat, held at Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island, Agoro underscored the importance of creating innovative healthcare systems in meeting the health needs of Lagos residents.

He described the establishment of the six Health Districts by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in July 2023 as a manifestation of the Governor’s desire to bring healthcare closer to Lagosians irrespective of their places of residence.

While saying that the health districts were in line with the Health Sector reform under the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, the Head of Service implored the staff of the district to align their programmes and activities with the THEMES Plus vision of the present administration.

Agoro described the theme of the Retreat, “Path to Universal Health Coverage: Optimising Primary Health Centers”, as apt, revealing that the Health District III has been mandated to oversee activities at the 63 Primary Health Centres across Epe, Eti-Osa and Ibeju Lekki LGAs.

On their part, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi and the Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi lauded Health District III for its Domestic Resource Mobilization’s drive aimed at making quality healthcare available to the citizens.

They maintained that deepening relationships with the private sector will further strengthen Public-Private Partnerships, adding that quality care that is affordable and easily accessible can be made possible through collaboration.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, said that the Retreat provided a valuable opportunity for the staff to unite and reflect on some of the achievements of the District, address identified challenges, and chart a course for the future. 

Dr. Adeleke urged participants at the Retreat to leverage collective knowledge and experiences to identify innovative solutions and strategies that will elevate the effectiveness of the various health programmes of the District.

In her words: “Our unwavering commitment to the health and welfare of our community finds expression in events like these, where we can fortify our collaborative efforts.
 
“As we confront unprecedented challenges, from the ongoing pandemic to emerging health threats, our collective ability to adapt, innovate and work cohesively is paramount. Collaboration is the key, and we must draw upon the expertise of healthcare professionals, administrators and community leaders alike”, the Permanent Secretary stated.

She averred that Governor Sanwo-Olu has consistently expanded healthcare access in low-income communities and implemented robust Monitoring and Evaluation systems for Primary Health Care Centres to realise his THEMES Plus Agenda.
 
Dr. Adeleke underscored the need to explore innovative funding mechanisms and develop strategies to collaborate with community leaders for resource mobilisation, adding that fostering partnerships within the health district will enhance financial sustainability and support continued growth.

She said: “We must engage our communities in decision-making processes, health education, and preventive care initiatives. Empowering individuals to take charge of their health establishes a foundation for lasting improvements and builds a shared responsibility for well-being”.

She also noted that there is a need to embrace new technologies, stay updated on the latest research, and foster partnerships that amplify the impact of the various health initiatives that would be undertaken by Health District III. 

The Permanent Secretary acknowledged the support provided by some of the District’s partners including CIHP; PEPFAR-CDC Funded organisation (Centre for Integrated Health Programmes), PHARMACCESS, and CHAI, as well as other key stakeholders, stressing that organisations like TY Dajuma Foundation, GTCo, Afrilife Healthcare Services, and Chevron had also pledged to support the activities of the District in achieving the THEMES Plus agenda for a Greater Lagos.

It should be noted that the Retreat addressed formulating a comprehensive strategic plan, incorporating collaborative efforts, private sector synergy, and the ‘Ilera Eko’ health insurance initiative for a resilient healthcare ecosystem in Lagos State.