Federal Government Establishes Committee to Regulate Healthcare Facilities in Nigeria

By Adebowale Bello. Freelance Health Writer.

Monday, September 9, 2024. The Federal Government has moved forward with plans to strengthen healthcare regulations by forming a committee dedicated to establishing the National Health Facility Regulatory Agency (NHFRA). The agency aims to raise healthcare standards, ensuring stricter oversight and coordination among health facilities across Nigeria.

Committee's Task

Speaking at the committee’s inauguration in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stated that the committee’s primary task is to develop the NHFRA’s governance framework, operational guidelines and legislative foundation.

Dr. Alausa emphasized that the committee, comprising representatives from both the public and private sectors, regulatory bodies and health associations, will focus on enforcing compliance with rigorous quality standards. The committee’s work will aim to eliminate malpractice and ensure that healthcare providers operate under optimal conditions.

Committee's Membership

Chaired by Dr. Richard Ajayi, Chairman of Bridge Clinic, the committee includes a diverse array of healthcare experts. Members include

• Tomi Coker, Ogun State Commissioner for Healt
• Aminat Ahmed El-Imam, Kwara State Commissioner for Health
• Njide Ndili, Country Director of PharmAccess
• Omede Idris of the Nigerian Medical Association
• Nnaemeka Nwakanma of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria
• Manason Garkuwa of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, among others.

Dr. Alausa stressed the urgency of creating a robust regulatory framework to tackle critical challenges within Nigeria’s healthcare system. He pointed to recent incidents, such as illegal organ trafficking, as examples of the importance of heightened regulation.

“This committee is more than just a regulatory body; it is a driving force for change,” Alausa said. “Our goal is to address gaps in the healthcare system by enforcing stringent standards to curb malpractice and safeguard public trust.”

The Minister assured that the committee is well-prepared to meet the objectives set before it. He described the formation as a pivotal step in restoring faith in Nigeria's healthcare services and enhancing patient safety across the country.

Optimism and Praises

The committee’s chairman, Dr. Ajayi, expressed optimism about the task ahead. “We aim to establish a regulatory body that is both efficient and responsive to the healthcare sector’s needs. Our approach will involve developing and strictly implementing comprehensive guidelines,” he said.

Ndili of PharmAccess, also a member of the committee, noted the significance of the committee’s role in delivering quality healthcare services nationwide. She expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to apply PharmAccess’ extensive experience in championing quality improvement initiatives.

Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary on Health Services and Environment for the Federal Capital Territory, praised the committee’s formation, viewing it as a critical step toward greater accountability within the public healthcare sector.

“We must hold ourselves to the highest standards,” Fasawe remarked. “This initiative lays the foundation for future generations and marks a historic moment in our healthcare system. We must meet this challenge with determination.”

Published: September 9, 2024

© 2024. Datelinehealth Africa Inc. All rights reserved.

Permission is given to copy, use and share content for non-commercial purposes without alteration or modification and subject to attribution as to source.