Lagos Primary Health Centres Get Modern Automated Lab Tools

The Lagos State Primary Health Care Board has commenced the deployment of automated medical laboratory equipment to designated primary healthcare facilities across the state. This strategic move is part of a broader initiative to enhance diagnostic capabilities and overall healthcare delivery at the community level.

This intervention falls under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Primary Health Care Project, a World Bank-supported programme backed by the Lagos State Government aimed at strengthening primary healthcare services. The distribution exercise, which kicked off on Monday, June 22, 2026, seeks to bolster laboratory capacity, improve the accuracy of diagnoses, shorten the waiting period for test results, and ensure that PHC facilities adhere to essential laboratory service standards.

Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, highlighted the significance of this initiative during the exercise, describing it as a crucial investment in expanding access to quality diagnostic services throughout various communities. He confirmed that the equipment was procured through the HOPE-PHC Project, which is dedicated to elevating the quality, accessibility, and resilience of primary healthcare services in Lagos.

Mustafa stated, “Quality healthcare begins with accurate and timely diagnosis. The deployment of these automated laboratory equipment demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the Lagos State Government to strengthening healthcare by equipping our facilities with modern technology that supports efficient, reliable and patient-centred laboratory services and counts towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage.”

Among the sophisticated equipment being distributed are haematology analysers for comprehensive blood counts and differential testing, ISE electrolyte analysers for measuring sodium, potassium, and chloride levels, electrophoresis machines for protein and haemoglobin analysis, Olympus microscopes for detailed microscopy and confirmatory tests, and semi-automated chemistry analysers for various biochemical investigations such as liver function, renal function, and lipid profiles.

The Permanent Secretary further elaborated that this intervention is one component of larger investments under the HOPE-PHC Project. These investments also encompass the renovation of existing PHC facilities, the provision of modern medical equipment, and the recruitment of additional healthcare professionals to improve service delivery across the board. He stressed that the initiative extends beyond simply distributing equipment, with measures put in place to ensure its long-term sustainability through proper installation, comprehensive training for laboratory personnel, routine maintenance, and ongoing technical support.

“We expect every beneficiary facility to provide the appropriate laboratory environment, designate competent personnel to manage the equipment and ensure that these valuable assets are properly maintained. Our goal is not merely to distribute equipment, but to improve health outcomes through enhanced diagnostic capacity and better patient care,” Mustafa affirmed.

He lauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his consistent investment in the health sector, particularly through the HOPE-PHC Project and other programmes under the THEMES+ Agenda. The board remains dedicated to strengthening primary healthcare services through continuous investments in infrastructure, technology, equipment, and human capacity development.

Beneficiary facilities will receive prior notification before the installation process. Designated laboratory personnel will undergo rigorous training covering equipment operation, quality assurance, quality control, preventive maintenance, and optimal utilisation. This intervention is expected to significantly contribute to the expansion of accessible, affordable, and people-centred healthcare services for all residents across Lagos State.