The Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has announced its pursuit of global recognition through the International Society for Quality Healthcare. Their aim is to become the first government-owned accreditation body in Nigeria and the entire West African region, dedicated to ensuring patients’ safety.
Dr. Yemisi Solanke-Koya, the Chairman of the HEFAMAA Board, revealed this during a stakeholders’ meeting focused on revising the standards for Acute Care Hospitals in Lagos State, with the goal of enhancing patient safety.
Dr. Solanke-Koya emphasized HEFAMAA’s role in setting essential minimum standards for both public and private health facilities. The agency seeks global recognition to advance this mission and provide high-quality healthcare for patients.
Additionally, Dr. Abiola Idowu, the Executive Secretary of HEFAMAA, mentioned that the agency is reviewing the standards for Acute Care Hospitals to ensure they align with Lagos and Nigeria’s healthcare needs.
This effort includes evaluating diagnostic and laboratory services, patient care and safety, hospital structures, and operational processes, among other aspects. The goal is to maintain excellence and guarantee quality healthcare for the citizens of Lagos State.
Furthermore, the Director of Medical Administration and Training Programmes, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Fumilayo Shokunbi, expressed confidence that accreditation would elevate the healthcare system in Lagos to a higher level.
Dr. Olujimi Coker, CEO of Habevit Healthcare and Chairman of the SQHN Committee, discussed the benefits of accreditation, emphasizing the need for enhanced quality and safety in healthcare. Coker highlighted the alarming statistics related to preventable harm in hospitals and stressed the importance of accreditation in reducing variations, improving efficiency, enhancing patient outcomes, and building community trust in healthcare services.