Lagos State Government has announced plans to establish a regulatory agency to oversee private hospitals and clinics, in a move aimed at improving patient safety and raising standards of healthcare delivery across the state.
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, disclosed this on Saturday at a gala and awards ceremony organised by the Lagos chapter of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners.
Obasa said the proposed agency became necessary following growing complaints about poor handling of patients and unprofessional conduct in some private healthcare facilities.
“We have received complaints where the health of many people was badly managed, and we don’t want that to continue,” the Speaker said.
He explained that private hospitals cater to a large percentage of Lagos residents, noting that the state’s population of over 20 million people makes proper regulation of healthcare services critical.
According to him, the new body will be responsible for enforcing minimum standards, monitoring operations, and ensuring accountability among private health providers.
“This agency will help ensure that private hospitals operate at acceptable levels of quality and professionalism,” Obasa added.
The Speaker called on the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners to partner with lawmakers in drafting the legislation that will bring the regulatory body into existence.
He noted that collaboration with practitioners would help lawmakers design policies that protect patients’ rights while taking into account the realities of running private medical facilities.
“We want laws that safeguard patients but also create a business-friendly environment for healthcare entrepreneurs,” Obasa said.
He assured stakeholders that the House of Assembly remains committed to supporting policies that improve healthcare delivery while encouraging responsible private sector participation.
