HEAD OF SERVICE EXPOUND ON INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

The employees of the State Health District III have been given a task by Mr. Olabode Agoro, the Lagos State Head of Service, to concentrate on developing an innovative healthcare system that will ensure that all citizens of the State have access to universal health coverage.

During his speech at the recently concluded inaugural Health District III Management Retreat, which took place at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel on Victoria Island, Agoro emphasised the significance of developing inventive healthcare systems to address the health requirements of the people of Lagos.

He explained that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s creation of the six Health Districts in July 2023 was an expression of his goal to make healthcare more accessible to Lagosians, regardless of where they live.

The Head of Service urged the district’s employees to coordinate their initiatives and programmes with the current administration’s THEMES Plus vision, even as he stated that the health districts were compliant with the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board’s Health Sector Reform.

The Retreat’s theme, “Path to Universal Health Coverage: Optimising Primary Health Centres,” was deemed appropriate by Agoro. It was disclosed that the Health District III has been tasked with supervising the operations of the 63 Primary Health Centres located in the LGAs of Epe, Eti-Osa, and Ibeju Lekki.

Health District III was commended by Professor Akin Abayomi, the Commissioner for Health, and Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser on Health, for their efforts in mobilising domestic resources to provide citizens with access to high-quality healthcare.

They argued that strengthening ties with the private sector will enhance public-private partnerships and that cooperation can make high-quality, easily-affordable healthcare available to all.

Prior to this, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, the Permanent Secretary of Health District III, stated that the Retreat offered a priceless chance for the employees to come together, consider some of the District’s accomplishments, deal with issues that were brought to light, and set goals for the future.

Dr. Adeleke encouraged Retreat attendees to use their combined knowledge and experiences to find creative ideas and approaches that will improve the efficiency of the District’s many health initiatives.

She stated as follows: “Events like these, where we can fortify our collaborative efforts, find expression in our unwavering commitment to the health and welfare of our community.

With the ongoing pandemic and new health threats, among other unprecedented challenges, it is critical that we all be able to adapt, innovate, and collaborate as a team. The Permanent Secretary said, “Cooperation is essential, and we must utilise the knowledge of administrators, community leaders, and healthcare professionals alike.

In order to carry out his THEMES Plus Agenda, she claimed that Governor Sanwo-Olu had continuously increased access to healthcare in low-income areas and put in place reliable monitoring and evaluation systems for Primary Health Care Centres.

Dr. Adeleke emphasised the necessity of investigating novel funding sources and formulating plans to work with local authorities to mobilise resources. She also mentioned that cultivating alliances within the health district will improve its financial viability and encourage further expansion.

“We must involve our communities in health education, preventive care initiatives, and decision-making processes,” the speaker stated. Giving people the tools they need to take control of their health creates a shared responsibility for wellbeing and lays the groundwork for long-lasting improvements.

She added that in order to maximise the effects of the different health initiatives that Health District III would be pursuing, it is imperative that we embrace new technologies, remain current on the most recent research, and cultivate partnerships.

In addition to other important stakeholders, the Permanent Secretary acknowledged the support given by CIHP, PHARMACCESS, CHAI, Afrilife Healthcare Services, GTCo, and TY Dajuma Foundation, among other partners in the District. She also emphasised that these organisations had also committed to supporting the District’s efforts to realise the THEMES Plus agenda for a Greater Lagos.

Remarkably, the Retreat tackled the development of an all-encompassing strategic plan that integrated cooperative endeavours, private sector synchronisation, and the ‘Ilera Eko’ health insurance programme to establish a robust healthcare ecosystem in Lagos State.