LAGOS CHARGES HEALTH FACILITIES ON SAFE PRACTICES IN SERVICE DELIVERY
… Commemorates Y2022 World Patient Safety Day
The Lagos State Government has advised health facilities across the State to put healthcare delivery on the front burner for a better system, in line with best practices across the world.
First Lady of Lagos, Dr. (Mrs). Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, gave the advice in her keynote address during the World Patient Safety Day 2022 Celebration organised by the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island.
She added that all relevant stakeholders in healthcare delivery services must be conscientious concerning the prevention of medication-related errors that can lead to more significant health problems.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu explained further that the year 2022 World Patient Safety Day celebration with the theme: ‘Medication Safety’ was well thought out as there is an urgent need to raise global awareness of the high burden of medication-related harm due to medication errors and unsafe practices.
The First Lady, represented by Dr. Ibijoke Ajumobi, the 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 put a premium on the safety of patients in both public and private hospitals in the state.
She, however, encouraged all health care providers in Lagos to continue to operate according to the guidelines of the state government.
Earlier, Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi explained that the state government will not relent in its role of ensuring that healthcare delivery is provided by qualified professionals in accredited facilities, as the state government has an overall safety strategy for healthcare delivery in Lagos.
Professor Abayomi stated further that the state government is regularly regulating the activities of all health facilities in Lagos, including the traditional alternative and complementary health practitioners, adding that the government through the Ministry of Health also organises regular Continuing Medical Education (CME) for healthcare providers to improve their capacity in efficient service delivery.
While restating the commitment of the state government in the fight against quackery, the Commissioner urged all caregivers to always give the correct medication to their patients and also consider the side effect of the medication they are administering by weighing off the differences between curing a condition and the side effects of the medication.
In her welcome remarks, the Chairman Governing Board, HEFAMAA, Dr. Yemisi Solanke-Koya, stated that the Agency is leveraging the event to raise public awareness, motivate and also collaborate with relevant stakeholders in the reduction of unsafe medication practices and errors across all categories of health facilities in the State.
Dr. Sholanke-Koya explained that the agency remains committed to ensuring that all Lagos residents have access to quality and safe healthcare through effective regulation of health facilities and ensuring compliance to set standards across the state.
She commended the state government for its commitment and dedication to achieving the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of the present administration, adding that the Agency will not relent until a sustainable health care delivery in line with best practices is achieved in the state.
Executive Director, HEFAMAA, Dr. Abiola Idowu commended health facilities that have always been in compliance with the guidelines of the government. She, however, urged them to adhere strictly to the health laws and not relent in the standard 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.
UMA/TMS/KO
CAPTION:
PIX: Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye; Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi; Chairman, Governing Board, HEFAMAA, Dr. Yemisi Solanke-Koya and the representative of the First Lady and Head, Department of Family Medicine, General Hospital, Lagos, Dr. Ibijoke Ajumobi
