‎LAHA Health Committee inspects LSPHCB, reaffirms support for improved primary healthcare services

‎By Chidimma Oparaochaekwe
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‎The Lagos State House of Assembly Committee, (LAHA), on Health Services and Primary Healthcare has conducted an inspection visit to the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, as part of its ongoing legislative oversight to assess healthcare delivery and strengthen collaboration among government agencies.
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‎Receiving the delegation, the Permanent Secretary of the Board, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, expressed appreciation to the Committee Chairman, Hon. Lawal Aina Musibau, and other members for their continued support, particularly towards the construction and completion of the Board’s new headquarters. He noted that the visit would help facilitate the Board’s relocation to the new facility.
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‎Dr. Mustafa also highlighted key initiatives aimed at expanding specialised healthcare services, particularly the integration of eye care into primary healthcare through the establishment of an optometry cadre.
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‎He disclosed that, in collaboration with the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, approval had been secured from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the recruitment of optometrists.
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‎He added that a dedicated budget line would be created to support the effective implementation and long-term sustainability of optometry services across the state.
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‎The Committee Chairman, Hon. Lawal Musibau, commended the Permanent Secretary and the Board’s management for their leadership and commitment to effective healthcare delivery. He also praised the dedication of the staff and called for sustained engagement and proactive communication between the Board and the House of Assembly.
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‎Hon. Musibau stressed the need for the Board to formally submit updates on its activities, legislative proposals and operational challenges in writing to enable the Assembly to consider them promptly and provide the necessary legislative support. He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to empowering the Board to fulfil its mandate of providing accessible and quality healthcare services to Lagos residents.
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‎Also speaking, a committee member, Hon. Olawale Rauf, acknowledged the operational challenges facing the Board and commended its staff for their resilience and commitment to sustaining service delivery under demanding conditions. He assured the management that the committee would provide further feedback and engage relevant stakeholders to address identified challenges and strengthen cooperation.
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‎Dr. Olubunmi Oluokun, who represented the Director of Health Planning and Research, Dr. Temitope Balogun-Alo, appreciated the lawmakers for their constructive engagement, oversight and continued support for the Board’s objectives.
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‎Other dignitaries present included committee members Hon. Abdulkarim Jubril Ayodeji and Hon. Ogunleye Gbolahan Adetokunbo, alongside senior management officials of the LSPHCB.
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‎The visit underscored the importance of legislative oversight, institutional collaboration and targeted investment in achieving the Lagos State Government’s vision of comprehensive and sustainable primary healthcare delivery.