FG reiterates commitment to improve healthcare standards

The Federal Government has reinstated its commitment to improve healthcare standards in Nigeria.

Dr Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, gave this assurance on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the report from the Committee on the Establishment of the National Healthcare Facility Regulatory Agency (NHFRA).

Salako also stressed the government’s commitment to ensure that the recommendations of the committee were implemented.

”Let me assure you that this report will not gather dust on the shelves. We are committed to putting your recommendations into action to strengthen the healthcare sector,” he said.

He said that the NHFRA was not established to replace existing regulatory bodies.

“The goal is to define national standards of practice and create a body that supports states in monitoring and enforcing compliance,” he explained.

The NHFRA committee, chaired by Dr Richardson Ajayi, was tasked with developing a framework to address gaps in healthcare facility regulation.

Ajayi stated that the report includes a draft establishment bill, a resource mobilisation plan, and an implementation strategy.

“The creation of NHFRA is a key step in ensuring all healthcare facilities in Nigeria meet essential care standards,” he noted.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ms Daju Kachallom described the NHFRA as a necessary initiative to close longstanding regulatory gaps in public and private healthcare facilities.

Represented by Mr Olubunmi Aribeana, the Director of the Food & Drugs Department, Kachallom commended the committee for working closely to come up with the recommendations.

It was reported that the committee was inaugurated in September 2024 to come up with a robust regulatory framework to tackle the evolving challenges in the healthcare sector.

The committee was tasked with designing NHFRA’s structure, drafting legislation, developing operational guidelines, engaging stakeholders, and preparing an implementation plan.

The minister had highlighted that the committee’s formation reflects the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strong commitment to improving healthcare standards nationwide.

He cited international regulatory models, such as the UK’s Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the United States’ Joint Commission, as inspirations for the establishment of the NHFRA.