18/09/2026
WPSD2026: LAGOS MOVES TO STRENGTHEN PATIENT SAFETY IN NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASE CARE
…As stakeholders seek stronger regulation, clinical governance and continuity of care
…Patient safety must be built into every stage of care — Ogunyemi
Lagos State has renewed its commitment to strengthening patient safety in the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Speaking at the 2026 World Patient Safety Day organised by HEFAMAA at NECA House, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, said people living with NCDs require care that is safe, effective and consistent throughout their lifetime.
She highlighted the importance of diagnostic and medication safety, effective referrals, continuity of care, clinical governance and patient engagement, noting that “an informed patient is not merely a recipient of healthcare. The patient is a partner in safe care.”
Also speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Health, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Musbau Aina Lawal, said safe care “does not happen by chance,” urging stronger systems, competent healthcare professionals, reliable medicines and equipment, and meaningful patient participation.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, called for stronger collaboration among regulators, healthcare facilities, professional bodies and providers, stressing that quality and safety must become a shared responsibility.
The Chairman, HEFAMAA Board, Dr. Yemisi Solanke-Koya, said the 2026 World Patient Safety Day commemoration was particularly significant as it coincided with the agency’s 20th anniversary, describing the milestone as an opportunity to reflect on its regulatory journey and the work still required to guarantee safe and quality healthcare in Lagos State.
The Executive Secretary, HEFAMAA, Dr. Victoria Egunjobi, said the agency’s 20-year journey had remained anchored on promoting standards, quality and safety across healthcare facilities in Lagos State. She noted that regulation was not an end in itself but a means of ensuring that patients received care that was safe, effective and delivered with dignity.
Egunjobi said HEFAMAA would continue to pursue a proactive, risk-based and data-driven regulatory system while working with healthcare providers, government institutions, professional bodies, development partners and patients to close safety gaps, strengthen accountability and drive quality improvement. She urged stakeholders to view the anniversary as “a renewed commitment to what comes next,” with patient dignity, respect and compassion remaining central to healthcare delivery.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Ajibola Sanda, identified late detection, medication errors, poor follow-up and communication gaps as major patient-safety risks, while advocating early screening, correct diagnosis, medication reconciliation and continuous patient education.
Representing the World Health Organization State Representative, Dr. Chineye Okafor, the Cluster Supervisor, Dr. Opeyemi Ogundinmu, commended the Lagos State Government and HEFAMAA for their continued efforts to improve healthcare quality and safety. He said NCD patients often faced complex and prolonged care involving multiple providers and therefore remained vulnerable to diagnostic delays, medication errors, fragmented services and other safety risks.
Panel discussions and patient voices further highlighted the importance of patient education, medication safety, digital health records, coordinated care and listening to patients’ experiences.
The event also featured the Special Recognition Awards, honouring individuals and stakeholders who have made notable contributions to healthcare regulation, quality improvement and patient safety as part of HEFAMAA@20.
The awards provided an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of pioneer and former heads of the agency as well as key partners and recognise the commitment of those who have supported HEFAMAA’s journey over the past two decades.
The Lagos State Government Babajide Sanwo-Olu Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria LagosBlood Transfusion Nigeria Health Watch UNICEF Nigeria Lagosstatehealthscheme