The Lagos State government has expressed concern over the increasing pressure on its healthcare infrastructure due to the high number of patients from neighbouring states, particularly Ogun State.

Speaking during a virtual session of Citizensgate 2.0, a civic engagement platform tagged “Sensitisation on Volunteerism: The Power of Community in Action”, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, lamented that despite ongoing investments in healthcare, the state’s medical facilities are being overwhelmed.

Dr Hamzat disclosed that in 2024 alone, Lagos general hospitals received a staggering 7.8 million visits, with the Orile-Agege General Hospital recording approximately 32 per cent of its patients as residents of Ogun State.

He stated, “Even with adequate infrastructure, the volume of people accessing services is enormous. How do we ensure everyone receives the best service possible when our facilities are overstretched by people coming from other states?”

The deputy governor attributed part of the challenge to communication gaps between the government and the public, emphasising the need for platforms like Citizensgate to bridge the divide.

“We want feedback from our citizens where we’re doing well and where we’re not. A lot of our people don’t even know the work we are doing, so communication is key,” he said.

Highlighting steps being taken to expand capacity, Hamzat revealed that the government is building two additional general hospitals, one in Ojo, and expanding the Massey Hospital on Lagos Island.

He also stressed the importance of accommodation for medical personnel to improve service delivery.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative, and Civic Engagement, Dr Tajudeen Afolabi, reinforced the importance of citizen participation in governance.

“We need the voice of the grassroots. This government is responsible and ready to listen,” he said, adding that the Citizensgate platform, available at citizensgate.lagosstate.gov.ng, enables residents to report concerns and receive responses without physically visiting Alausa.

He further encouraged community volunteerism, noting that government efforts must be complemented by civic action: “Volunteerism is about taking the bull by the horns. It’s about asking, ‘What can I do to improve Lagos State?’

Representatives of civil society also contributed to the dialogue. Gabriel Okeowo from BudgIT urged participants not to stop in engagement efforts.

“If you don’t get feedback from government, engage again. We must all be champions of our communities,” he said.

During the interactive session, citizens voiced their concerns. Aliyu Asogbon from Badagry pointed out the need to improve communication between the government and the public.

Olasehinde, a participant living with a disability, called on the state to make public facilities more accessible.

“As a wheelchair user, most government institutions lack facilities for persons with disabilities. The government needs to look into this,” he appealed. (Daily Sun)