Stakeholders in Lagos State are calling on local government chairmen to allocate a significant portion of their budgets to healthcare, particularly with their newfound autonomy. This push comes after a one-day Political Economy Analysis of Maternal Health in Lagos, which brought together experts from various health institutions, the Lagos State Ministry of Health, and non-governmental organizations.
Key Concerns:
- High Maternal Death Rate: Despite investments in healthcare, Lagos State records 420 maternal deaths per 100,000 births, citing population density, cultural beliefs, poverty, and inadequate access to healthcare facilities as contributing factors .
- Underfunding: The health sector remains underfunded, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for increased budgetary allocation, improved welfare for health workers, and transparency .
- Brain Drain: The healthcare sector faces challenges in retaining workers, with ratios of 5,014 patients to one doctor, 12,165 patients to one nurse, and 5,117 patients to one midwife, exceeding World Health Organization recommendations.
The event, titled, Political Economy Analysis (PEA) of Maternal Health in Lagos State Dissemination was organised by the Public Health Sustainable Advocacy Initiative (PHSAI). PHSAI is implementing the project in partnership with the Center for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI) with support from Pathfinder International, Nigeria.
Earlier, while presenting her well-researched paper on the topic, the lead resource person and Consultant to Pathfinder International, Nigeria, Dede Kadiri noted that despite the Lagos State Government’s huge investment in healthcare, the maternal death rate in the State is still high. Kadiri posited that the huge population, religious and cultural beliefs, poverty and poor assess to healthcare facilities are some of the contributory factors.
“There’s no doubt that Lagos State Government has invested modestly in healthcare but according to a 2022 study carried out by Lagos State Ministry of Health, there are 420 maternal deaths per 100,000 births in the state which is not a piece of palatable news.
“The reason for this is not far-fetched considering the high population density of the state as well as religious and cultural beliefs as well as poverty, poor access to health facilities, and underfunding of the health sector among others.
She also explained that there is a need for accurate census, increased budgetary allocation, improved welfare of health workers, and transparency in the sector to arrest the ugly situation.
” The Political Economy Analysis shows that there is a need to address improved infrastructure in our health institutions, increased budgetary allocation, improved welfare of health workers, timely replacement of retired workers, conducive working environment, and transparency in managing the resources.
“There should also be more collaboration with external donor agencies, international development partners, and Non-Governmental Organisations to arrest the issue of health workers seeking greener pastures abroad.
“Government must also look into the issue of inadequate staff which research shows is 5, 014 patients to one Doctor, 12, 165 patients to one Nurse, and 5,117 patients to one midwife which are far higher than World Health Organisation ( WHO) recommendation.
Kadiri while stating that health indices in Nigeria and Lagos State are still very poor, advised that the government must be very realistic when it comes to a matter of free health and data collection as it will enable it to put up a good health plan.
Speaking at the event, Ayo Adebusoye Esq, Chairman, Board of Trustees, PHSAI, explained that the event became necessary because the collaboration is dedicated to building lasting and trusted local partnerships to strengthen health systems and forge resilient pathways to sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.
“Public Health Sustainable Advocacy Initiative (PHSAI) is implementing the “Strengthening Multi-Level Partnerships for Advancing Women’s Health in Nigeria,” project in partnership with Pathfinder International and Center for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI).
“The project aims at supporting advocacy efforts at the sub-national level to ensure women’s health is prioritised through increased budgetary commitments and implementation of relevant policies that support women’s health.
“I am highly excited with what has happened today because everyone agreed that there’s a need for Local Governments to allocate resources to the health sector and at the end of the day we will send our observations and recommendations to the government”, he stated
Some of the dignitaries who attended the event included; State Officer Family Planning Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Adeleye Latifat, President of Lagos State Women Medical/ Dental Practitioners Association, Dr. Fumi Ige, Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor of Health, Dr.Kemi Ogunyemi who was represented by Dr. Adeyemi Oluwatobi.
Also in attendance were; the Programme Officer For Nutrition, Lagos State, Dr. Shogunle, and Mrs. Twins Hamzalat of Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme and a representative of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry among others
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