Sanwo Olu upgrades LEML, reassures commitment to universal health

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu has reaffirmed his dedication to universal health assurance by upgrading the Lagos State Essential Medicines List (LEML).

Olusegun Ogboye, the permanent secretary of the Lagos state ministry of health, ably represented by Funmilayo Shokunbi, the Director of Medical Administration, Training and Programmes, unveiled this at the launching ceremony, which took place at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa-Ikeja, on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

While at the event, Shokunbi restated that the medicine upgrade would help in the management and treatment of various diseases, adding that the decision for the upgrade was necessitated by the disease prevalence and world health standards.

She explained that the review, development, and launch of the State essential medicines list were done in collaboration with the Smile for Mothers Programme.

“It will provide a platform for policymakers, healthcare providers, public health programme managers and implementing partners to determine and prioritise the medicine needs of Lagos State for the improvement of health outcomes,” Shokunbi said.

Earlier, the Director, Pharmaceutical Services,  Lagos State Ministry of Health, Pharm. Oyebisi Omolambe noted that the review, upgrade and launch of the State essential medicine list is geared towards meeting the SDG goal 3.8,  which seeks to achieve access to quality essential healthcare services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

She appreciated the ‘Smiles for Mothers Programme’ and other relevant stakeholders who collaborated with the State Government in the realization of the comprehensive State essential medicines list, noting that the Lagos State government remains open to more productive collaborations geared towards strengthening the health system and improving health outcomes for the citizenry.

Speaking in a similar development, the State Lead, ‘Smile for Mothers Programme’, Dr. Damilola Oyedele restated the commitment to support governments at the Federal and State levels in the reduction of maternal mortality and mobility through partnerships that will create opportunities for the introduction of innovations that will positively impact health care delivery.

“We also want to use this opportunity to restate our commitment to supporting the Lagos State Government and the Government of Nigeria to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. We wish to continue to partner with the government to make policy changes to support the introduction of innovations and continue building the capacity of healthcare workers towards the goal of avoiding the death of women who are bringing life to the world,” she stated.