Doctors Push for Bigger Budget Share for Community Health Centres

The Lagos State chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Babajide Saheed, has called on governments to significantly increase funding for primary healthcare, saying it should receive the largest portion of public health spending.

Speaking during a media appearance, Saheed stressed that most Nigerians first seek treatment at local health centres, yet these facilities remain poorly funded compared to major hospitals. He argued that strengthening grassroots medical services would ease pressure on tertiary institutions and improve early disease detection and prevention.

He recommended that up to 70 percent of total health sector allocations be directed toward primary healthcare to build stronger frontline services and improve access for residents.

Saheed also pointed to shortages in personnel, equipment, and infrastructure across many community clinics, noting that existing centres are too few to serve the growing population effectively.

He warned that continued underinvestment in entry-level healthcare could weaken the entire medical system and reduce the quality of care available to citizens.