The Lagos State Government has commenced immediate upgrade of 27 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) across the state under the IMPACT Project, with completion expected within the next three to four months.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, made this known during the official handing-over ceremony for the upgrading of the selected PHCs, held at Palm Avenue PHC in Mushin.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, mni, the Commissioner said that the state government, in collaboration with the World Bank and other relevant stakeholders, will oversee the project to ensure its timely and efficient execution.

He appealed to members of Community Development Associations (CDAs) and other stakeholders to support the contractors handling the upgrade, urging residents to take ownership of the initiative.

?I want to plead with our residents and stakeholders in the communities where these projects will be executed to support and take ownership of them, ensuring they are not impeded.

"This upgrade will enhance the capacity of healthcare professionals to deliver essential services, reduce infant and maternal mortality rates, and improve overall public health outcomes,? Prof. Abayomi stated, urging residents to utilize and maintain the upgraded facilities to ensure their sustainability for future generations.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of Health District 1, Dr. Olufunmilayo Bankole, highlighted that the initiative will significantly improve access to healthcare delivery at the grassroots as well as enhance the overall ambience of the selected PHCs, providing a more conducive environment for healthcare workers and increasing patient access.

Dr. Bankole reassured residents of the government's commitment to improving the quality of healthcare services, urging them to have confidence in PHCs across the state.

Speaking in same vein, the Permanent Secretary of Health District 2, Dr. Dayo Lajide, said the upgrade aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's directives to transform PHCs into efficient and accessible healthcare facilities given the state's substantial investments directed towards strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure generally.

She reiterated that the Governor remains steadfast in his vision to enhance the state?s healthcare system.

With this upgrade, the Permanent Secretary stated that Lagos State moves closer to its goal of strengthening primary healthcare delivery and ensuring accessible, quality medical services for all residents.

In his remarks, Chairman, Mushin Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Bamigboye described the event as a historic milestone in the collective effort to provide quality and accessible healthcare services to Lagos residents commending Governor Sanwo-Olu for his dynamic leadership and dedication to executing various social intervention programs and infrastructural projects across the state, including in Mushin Local Government.

He said: "Healthcare is the backbone of any thriving society. It is not just a necessity but a fundamental right of every citizen. The upgrading of these 27 Primary Healthcare Centres is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that every resident, irrespective of status or location, has access to quality medical services."

Bamigboye praised the collaborative efforts of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, medical personnel, community leaders, and other stakeholders in making the initiative a reality.

Bamigboye further highlighted free healthcare services available to Mushin residents, including ambulance services and newly acquired laboratory equipment for PHCs. He also noted that medical equipment had been donated to the General Hospital in Mushin to enhance service delivery.

?As the government continues to improve healthcare infrastructure, I urge residents to maintain and utilize these Primary Healthcare Centres effectively for the benefit of all,? he added.

The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretaries.