…Abayomi Says Stronger Public-Private Partnerships Needed to Build Sustainable Health System
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has called for increased private-sector investment and stronger public-private partnerships to expand healthcare capacity and build a sustainable health system for the state’s growing population.
Abayomi made the call in a post on X following his address at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Medical, Pharmaceuticals and Allied Services Group Symposium, where he outlined the state government’s strategy for developing a sustainable health economy.
The Commissioner said government funding alone could not provide the infrastructure needed to meet the healthcare demands of a population of about 30 million people, stressing the importance of greater collaboration with the private sector.
He identified investment opportunities across specialist healthcare, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, medical manufacturing, pharmacy, health technology, digital health, research, clinical trials and medical education.
According to him, the Lagos State Medical Infrastructure Investment Zone (LASMIIZO) is being developed to facilitate private investment across these areas.
Abayomi said attracting investors would require a predictable and stable operating environment, noting that the state was moving towards risk sharing, co-investment, long-term public-private partnerships, concessional financing and performance-based contracts.
He explained that government would focus on policy, regulation, standards, infrastructure and equity, while private-sector partners would contribute capital, technology, expertise and innovation.
The Commissioner also highlighted healthcare financing as a critical component of a sustainable health system, noting the significant role of private providers and the high level of out-of-pocket healthcare spending in Nigeria.
He stressed that increased private-sector participation does not mean government is withdrawing from healthcare, but rather creating an environment where responsible private investment can thrive while protecting public interest.
Abayomi subsequently called on investors and innovators to partner with the Lagos State Government to expand healthcare capacity and develop solutions capable of serving Lagos, Nigeria and the wider African market
Source: TVC News