In accordance with global best practises, the Lagos State Government has urged health institutions throughout the state to prioritise healthcare delivery in order to improve the system.
The advise was given by the First Lady of Lagos, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, in her keynote presentation at the World Patient Safety Day 2022 Celebration hosted at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island by the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA).
She stated that all relevant parties involved in the delivery of healthcare services must be diligent towards the avoidance of medication-related mistakes that might result in more serious health complications.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu elaborated that the commemoration of World Patient Safety Day in 2022 with the topic ‘Medication Safety’ was well-planned since there is an urgent need to increase worldwide awareness of the high burden of medication-related damage owing to medication mistakes and unsafe practises.
The First Lady, who was represented by Dr. Ibijoke Ajumobi, Head, Department of Family Medicine, General Hospital, Lagos, commended the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency for seizing the opportunity of the global celebration to prioritise patient safety in public and private hospitals in the state.
She did, however, urge all health care professionals in Lagos to continue operating in accordance with state government regulations.
Previously, Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, stated that the state government will not relinquish its responsibility to ensure that healthcare delivery is provided by qualified professionals in accredited facilities, as the state government has a comprehensive safety strategy for healthcare delivery in Lagos.
Professor Abayomi added that the state government regularly regulates the activities of all health facilities in Lagos, including traditional alternative and complementary health practitioners, and that the government, through the Ministry of Health, also regularly organises Continuing Medical Education (CME) for healthcare providers to improve their capacity for efficient service delivery.
The Commissioner, while reiterating the state government’s commitment to combating pseudoscience, asked all caregivers to always prescribe the proper prescription to their patients and to assess the benefits of healing a disease against the risks of the drug.
The Chairman of the HEFAMAA Governing Board, Dr. Yemisi Solanke-Koya, stated in her welcoming remarks that the Agency is utilising the event to increase public awareness, motivate and collaborate with relevant stakeholders in the reduction of unsafe medication practises and errors across all categories of health facilities in the State.
Dr. Sholanke-Koya said that the agency is dedicated to ensuring that all Lagos citizens have access to excellent and safe healthcare by regulating health facilities effectively and guaranteeing compliance with state-wide standards.
She praised the state government for its commitment and devotion to attaining the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of the current administration, noting that the Agency would not rest until a sustainable health care delivery based on best practises has been established in the state.
Executive Director of HEFAMAA, Dr. Abiola Idowu, praised health institutions that have always complied with government regulations. She advised them, however, to rigorously comply to health rules and maintain the quality of services they provide.
High points of the event include a keynote address on Medication Safety: ‘Medication Without Harm’ by Pharm. Mattew Azoji, MD/CEO, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals and presentation of awards to the First Lady, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Honourable Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi; former Health Commissioners, Dr. Leke Pitan and Dr. Jide Idris and other dignitaries. Two health facilities, Paelon Memorial Hospital and Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta also received the most compliant private and public health facilities respectively.