Health Minister inaugurates National Health Facility Regulatory Agency Committee
In a move aimed at raising the standards of healthcare delivery across Nigeria, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has officially inaugurated a Committee for the Establishment of the National Health Facility Regulatory Agency (NHFRA). The committee which was inaugurated yesterday, Wednesday February 4th, in Abuja is tasked with the responsibility of developing the NHFRA’s governance framework, operational guidelines, and legislative structure.
The committee is chaired by Dr. Richard Ajayi, Chairman of Bridge Clinic. Members include Dr. Tomi Coker, Ogun State Commissioner for Health; Dr. Aminat Ahmed El-Imam, Kwara State Commissioner for Health; Dr. Manason Garkuwa from the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria; Dr. Asekhame Isemede, Subject Matter Expert; Dr. Ajibike Oyewumi, Subject Matter Expert; Prof. Abubakar Kullima, Director of Clinical Services (State); Mrs. Njide Ndili, Country Director of PharmAccess; Dr. Damilola Matti from the Society for Quality in Healthcare in Nigeria; and Mr. Tosin Runsewe from the Health Federation of Nigeria.
Other members include Dr. Omede Idris from the Nigeria Medical Association; Dr. Nnaemeka Nwakanma from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria; Dr. Iseko Iseko from the Guild of Medical Directors; Pharm. I. Anukwu from the Federation of Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry Associations; Dr. Adebimpe Adebajo from the National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee; Mr. Ndagi Alhassan from the Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria; Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen from the Federal Ministry of Health; and Dr. KamIl Shoretire from the Federal Ministry of Health.
The inauguration event brought together distinguished stakeholders from the healthcare industry, government officials, and international partners. Notable attendees included the Mandate Secretary of FCT Health Services; Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe; the President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) Dr. Pamela Ajayi; the Director of Hospital Services at the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Jimoh Olawale Salaudeen, among others.
The committee will oversee the adherence of healthcare facilities to stringent regulations and quality standards, aiming to eradicate malpractice and ensure that healthcare providers operate under optimal conditions. Comprising representatives from both public and private sectors, including key figures from regulatory bodies and associations, the committee is well-positioned to achieve these goals.
In his address, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa emphasized the urgent need for a robust regulatory framework to address critical issues within Nigeria’s healthcare system. He highlighted recent scandals, such as illegal organ trafficking, which revealed significant gaps in existing oversight mechanisms. Dr. Alausa stressed that the formation of this committee represents a significant step toward enforcing rigorous safety and quality standards in healthcare facilities, thereby safeguarding patients and restoring public trust in the healthcare system.
“This committee is not merely a regulatory body; it is a crucial agent of change. We are committed to bridging the gaps in our healthcare system and enforcing stringent standards to prevent malpractice. Addressing these challenges requires a unified approach, and this committee will play an essential role in upholding the integrity of our healthcare services,” Dr. Alausa stated, reaffirming the government’s dedication to tackling both immediate and long-term issues within the sector.
The newly appointed chairman of the committee, Dr. Richard Ajayi, Chairman of Bridge Clinic, expressed optimism about the committee’s potential to enhance healthcare quality nationwide. He highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach to healthcare regulation and acknowledged the diverse expertise within the committee.
“Our mission is clear: to establish a regulatory body that is both effective and responsive to the needs of our healthcare system. We will develop comprehensive guidelines and implement them rigorously. The collaboration among experts from various sectors will be vital as we strive to set and maintain the highest standards of care. Together, we will foster a healthcare environment where quality and safety are paramount,” Dr. Ajayi remarked.
The Country Director of PharmAccess, Mrs. Njide Ndili, expressed enthusiasm about the committee’s formation, highlighting the critical importance of quality in healthcare delivery. She emphasized PharmAccess’s significant role in advancing quality programs both in Nigeria and across Africa. Ndili affirmed that PharmAccess is eager to contribute its expertise to the committee’s efforts, leveraging its extensive experience to help shape a robust regulatory framework for healthcare facilities in Nigeria.
“PharmAccess is delighted to be a member of this very important committee, given our track record in championing quality programs across Nigeria and Africa. We look forward to bringing this experience to the table as we work together to establish this new agency,” said Ndili.
In her goodwill message, the FCT Health Services Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe commended the establishment of the committee as a vital step toward improving accountability in the public healthcare sector. “We must hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards,” Dr. Fasawe stated. “This initiative is not just about compliance but about laying a foundation for future generations. This is a historic moment, and we must rise to the occasion.”
