Lagos NMA chair urges bigger share for primary healthcare
Dr Babajide Saheed, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association in Lagos, has called for a significant increase in funding for primary healthcare. He argues that primary healthcare should receive the majority of health sector budget allocations across all levels of government. Dr Saheed believes that current spending priorities neglect the most essential part of the health system, putting overall health outcomes at risk. He also highlighted the inadequacy of primary care infrastructure and staffing in Lagos State.
What we know
- Dr Babajide Saheed says primary healthcare should get 60–70% of health budget allocations.
- He criticizes the focus on secondary and tertiary care, calling it detrimental to the health system.
- Dr Saheed points out that Lagos State has about 300 primary care centres, which he says is insufficient for its population.
- He raises concerns about the number of doctors available at these centres.
- The NMA describes the current national health sector allocation as grossly inadequate, with only about N10,400 spent per citizen annually.
