BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI, ABUJA

The Federal Government of Nigeria has assured that the recommendations of the Committee on the Establishment of the National Healthcare Facility Regulatory Agency (NHFRA) would be studied and implemented to enhance healthcare standards across Nigeria.

The Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, gave this assurance while receiving the committee’s report in Abuja on Thursday.

In a statement by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director, Information & Public Relations, Salako emphasised that the proposed NHFRA aims to bridge gaps in healthcare quality and standards rather than undermine existing regulatory bodies.

“The essence is to define national standards of practice and support states in their regulatory functions,” Salako stated.

He assured that the report would not be left dormant but would be actively considered to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.

The Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, represented by Pharmacist Olubunmi Aribeana, described NHFRA as a timely and visionary response to challenges in regulating both public and private healthcare facilities.

Kachollom commended the Dr. Richardson Ajayi-led committee, which has worked on the framework since September 2024.

While presenting the report, Dr. Richardson Ajayi affirmed that NHFRA aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He emphasised that the agency would ensure all healthcare facilities meet fundamental care standards.

The report includes a draft establishment bill, resource mobilisation plan, and implementation strategy to guide the NHFRA’s operationalisation.

The Ministry pledged to expedite the review process to ensure effective implementation.