The Honourable
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa has
inaugurated a committee, tasked with establishing National Health Facility
Regulatory Agency (NHFRA), in line with the Federal Government’s efforts to
strengthen the Nigeria's Healthcare System.
The
Minister, during the event recently held on 4th September, 2024 in Abuja, said
that the formation of the agency would ensure that every citizen has access to
the highest standard of care.
“Formation
of this committee stands as a testament to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s
administration’s dedication to this cause. We know that effective regulation is
the foundation of a healthcare system that is safe, efficient, and
equitable." He reemphasized.
Dr.
Alausa explained that drawing inspiration from global best practices, countries
like the United Kingdom's Care Quality Commission (CQC), have set a gold
standard for healthcare regulation by improving transparency and accountability
through comprehensive inspections and ratings of health and social care
services.
He
further stated that the Joint Commission in the United States has demonstrated
the power of accreditation in driving continuous improvement, with a strong
focus on patient safety and quality of care that has elevated healthcare
standards nationwide.
These examples, according to the Minister, underscore a universal truth that effective healthcare regulation is not just about enforcement, but about fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
The
Minister, who explained that based on the need for a robust regulatory
framework, the mandate of the committee is multifaceted and crucial as healthcare facilities are the frontline in
the battle against disease, as well as the sanctuary where life begins and
often save, added that it is government duty to ensure that these institutions
operate at the highest possible standards, providing care that is not just
adequate, but exemplary and ethical.
Members
of the committee include: Dr. Richard Ajayi (Chairman), Dr. Ajibike Oyewumi, Dr. Manason Garkuwa, Dr. Tomi Coker,
Dr. Aminat Ahmed El-Imam, Prof. Abubakar Kullima, Dr. Damilola Matti, Dr. Njide
Ndili, Mr. Tosin Runsewe.
Others
are: Dr. Omede Idris, Dr. Iseko Iseko, Pharm. I. Anukwu, Dr. Adebimpe Adebajo,
Mr. Ndagi Aljassan, Dr. Jimoh Saludeen, Dr. Kamil Shoretire, Dr. Mariya Saleh
and Dr. Benson Ayodele Cole.
The
mandate of the committee includes and not limited to the following thematic
areas: Governance Model and Structure which is the first task of designing the
organizational structure of the NHFRA,
Legislative
Framework, Operational Guidelines, Stakeholder
Engagement, Resource Mobilization and
Implementation Planning.
The
Minister charged the committee members to make a lasting impact on the nation’s
healthcare system adding that the establishment of NHFRA will be a cornerstone
in government's effort to ensure that every health facility in this country
operates at the highest standards of safety and quality.
While
assuring of the Ministry’s support, he admonished that expertise, dedication,
and commitment will be crucial to achieving the vision in building a regulatory
agency that will serve as a model for the region and a guarantor of health
excellence for all Nigerians.
During her opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary,Federal Ministry Of Health and Social Welfare, Kachallom Daju mni, represented by Dr. Dogara Okaro, recognised that a well-regulated healthcare environment is essential for ensuring that healthcare facilities operate at its highest standards adding that the work of the committee is vital to designing the framework for NHFRA and laying the groundwork for what will become a pivotal institution in the nation’s health sector.
The
Permanent Secretary of Health, FCT, Dr. Adedolapo Fashola, while commending the
efforts of the Ministry of Health in her goodwill message, hoped that the
initiative will project standard healthcare outcomes, uphold government workers
healthcare giving, physical, social,
behavioural determinants and accountability.
Director, Health Services, Dr. Jimoh Saludeen, in his vote of thanked expressed gratitude for the laudable project, reiterating that all hands must be on deck to achieve effective healthcare outcomes.
Ado Bako
AD(Information
& Public Relations .
4th
September, 2024
