Easy access to health care, our priority -- Commissioner







Sequel to the latest statistics on Nigeria's child mortality, released by Save the Children on Wednesday, the Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening health care delivery, with the aim of reducing maternal and child deaths.

Commissioner of Health, Dr. Jide Idris, said this at a press briefing heralding the State Council of Health Summit which commences on Thursday (today).

Idris noted that though Nigeria ranked 169th out of the 176 countries so rated, the government would not dwell on the unflattering statistics but would rather do all that was possible to check the trend.

He noted that globally, paying for health care out of pocket increased mortality, saying that was why the government wanted to use the summit to draw attention to the issue, with the aim of finding lasting solutions to it.

He said, "The government is determined to find viable financial options for sound health care coverage, with the sole aim of providing a safety net for the generality of the people.

"When this is done, it will lead to reduction in maternal and child mortality, while also ensuring universal access to good health care."

He said in the aftermath of the summit, the state government would be able to effectively plan for better health coverage for residents.





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