The Lagos State Accountability Mechanism (LASAM), a group that seeks for improvement of Maternal and Newborn Health in Lagos, has asked Lagos State Governor, to revitalize the Local Government Health Authorities (LGHAs), in order to improve uptake of health services at local government level.
Speaking on behalf of the group, LASAM Co- Chairperson, Barr. Ayo Adebusoye, expressed dismay that since the last tenure lapsed four years ago, there has been no inauguration of new LGHAs in the state.
“In a bid to achieve universal health coverage for all citizens, particularly the very poor and vulnerable, the Government of Nigeria- at the National, State and Local Government level, has adopted community participation in health (CPH) as a vital strategy in delivering primary health care to its citizens. In so doing, it established key community structures such as LGHAs and Ward Health Committee Members.
The role of Local Government Health Authorities (LGHA) was first identiied in the Lagos State Health Sector Reform Law (HSRL) of 2006. The Law regulates the entire health system and health service delivery within the state by the instrument of the State Ministry of Health, which controls all public and private health service providers within the state. Part 7, Section 98- 106 of the Law stipulates the parameters surrounding the operations of the LGHA”, he said
He said through LGHAs, community participation which is a foundation principle of primary health care is achieved.
“The benefits of Community participation includes; improved health outcomes, equity, service access, relevance, acceptability, quality and responsiveness”, he said According Barr. Ayo, the revitalization of the LGHA is critical to sustaining the entire healthcare delivery system in Lagos.
“It would establish clearer lines of reporting and accountability between the community structures and the Government. It is therefore pertinent to, without further delay, inaugurate this statutorily established, legitimate Community Participation in Health (CPH) structure – the LGHA – to effectively strengthen citizens’ voice in demanding for their health rights from the various levels of Government while simultaneously assisting the Government in guaranteeing the delivery of minimum health packages to its citizens”, he added.
The LGHA operates under the auspices of the State Primary Health Care Board (PHCB), and is responsible for the coordination and integration of various health services within Local Governments Areas (LGA s) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State.
Franka Osakwe Health Correspondent/ Maternal and Newborn Health Advocate
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