Experts Seek Stronger Patient Safety Framework In Nigeria

Patient Safety Africa has urged the elevation of the Patient Safety Desk within the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to a dedicated Directorate of Patient Safety and Clinical Governance. This proposal was unveiled during the 2026 World Patient Safety Day address, presented by President Prof. Asekhame Sonny Isemede to the ministry's leadership, including Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate and Minister of State Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako.

Isemede, a consultant at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust and Special Adviser to England’s Care Quality Commission, argued that the restructured position would bolster Nigeria's clinical governance, quality enhancement, and institutional capacity under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The organization's partnership with the ministry since 2022 has aided in training healthcare professionals in public and private sectors, with participants increasingly taking part in international conferences and quality improvement projects.

These accomplishments have been further fortified through collaborations with the World Health Organisation’s Patient Safety Flagship Office, Joint Commission International, ISQua, COHSASA, and NHS England, with the 'Solutions from Africa' initiative set to highlight these achievements. Isemede also emphasized the need for inclusive, multidisciplinary leadership in the healthcare sector, stressing the roles of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, allied health professionals, and administrators.

Merit-based career pathways and the 'Just Culture' principles within healthcare institutions were also highlighted. In terms of healthcare efficiency and workforce welfare, Isemede suggested streamlined governance, shared procurement, regional collaboration, and digital transformation via electronic medical records and telemedicine.

Energy resilience measures, such as solar backup systems, were recommended to ensure uninterrupted and safe healthcare delivery. Isemede praised the Federal Government's efforts in establishing the National Health Facility Regulatory Agency (NHFRA), stating that the proposed body would standardize healthcare expectations, strengthen public confidence, and promote continuous improvement.

Isemede vowed Patient Safety Africa's dedication to collaborating with state health commissioners, regulatory councils, professional associations, and federal medical directors in pursuit of a resilient, patient-centered health system.