Rhodes-Vivour urges Sanwo-Olu to reconsider order on health scheme

Former Lagos State governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has criticised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for issuing an Executive Order on the Social Health Insurance Scheme that mandates a ₦15,000 monthly contribution from every Lagos resident.

In a statement on Tuesday, Rhodes-Vivour acknowledged the good intentions behind universal health coverage, but found fault in the flat-rate approach, saying it revealed a fundamental disconnect from the economic realities facing most Lagosians.

He pointed out that for minimum wage earners, the ₦15,000 monthly contribution represents nearly 20 per cent of their income, adding that it will result in an unsustainable burden that will push many further into economic hardship.

He stated that the same flat rate is insignificant for middle and upper-income earners, adding that it will create an inherently regressive system.

“I propose instead a proportional 5 per cent contribution of monthly income, which would distribute the financial responsibility more equitably across income levels while ensuring sustainable funding for the scheme,” he said.

Rhodes-Vivour called for action concerning a recent revelation by the Lagos State Commissioner of Health that the state suffers from a deficit of 30,000 doctors.

He said that before mandating and enforcing an Executive Order on the social health insurance scheme, it would be imperative to have substantial investment in healthcare infrastructure and personnel.

He cited a 2016 report which shows that Lagos has 5,014 persons to one general medical doctor, 2,942 persons to one specialist, 2,165 persons to one nurse, and 5,117 persons to one midwife.

“These ratios are dramatically higher than the recommended doctor-to-population ratio of 1:600, clearly demonstrating the lack of priority given to public health in our state,” he said.

He urged the Sanwo-Olu administration to adopt the 2014 Abuja Declaration, which recommends allocating 15 per cent of the state budget to healthcare.

He recalled that in 2024, the Lagos State government fell short of this laudable vision by allocating 6.75 per cent of its budget to healthcare.

“Without significant investment in healthcare professionals through better compensation and career development, alongside substantial upgrades to medical facilities and equipment, this insurance scheme risks becoming merely another financial burden on Lagosians without delivering the promised healthcare improvements,” he said.

Rhodes-Vivour pointed out that true healthcare reform requires both sustainable funding mechanisms and robust healthcare delivery systems.

“I call on the governor to reconsider this Executive Order and engage in meaningful dialogue with healthcare professionals, economic experts, and community representatives to develop a more equitable and effective approach to universal health coverage in Lagos State,” he said.