Lagos Unveils Clinical Governance Framework To Strengthen Safety, Standard

The Lagos State Government has unveiled a new Clinical Governance Framework designed to ensure accountability, continuous quality improvement, and patient-centred care across all public health facilities in the State. The initiative was introduced by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, during a Health Policy Group Meeting held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Ministry of Health Conference Room, Alausa, Ikeja. She explained that the framework aims to institutionalise consistent standards and safeguard patient safety across the Lagos health sector.

Dr. Ogunyemi stated that the Clinical Governance Framework is built around five key pillars—patient safety, quality assurance, effective leadership, information management, and staff training and development. She noted that the system places patients at the centre of healthcare delivery and emphasised that effective clinical governance depends on strong leadership structures that foster accountability, transparency, and collaboration at all levels of operation.

Speaking on quality assurance, the Special Adviser highlighted the need for health agencies to set measurable standards, conduct regular audits, and implement a non-punitive reporting system for incidents and complaints. She maintained that the process should be viewed as an opportunity for learning and continuous improvement rather than a blame exercise, encouraging health workers to identify service gaps and suggest innovations for better outcomes.

On patient safety, Dr. Ogunyemi stressed that creating safe and supportive environments for both patients and health professionals is paramount. She urged hospitals to ensure patients are respected, well-informed, and actively involved in decisions about their care, noting that such engagement fosters trust and improves treatment outcomes. She also called for continuous capacity building through staff training and professional development to strengthen clinical skills, uphold best practices, and achieve optimal health service delivery.

While acknowledging challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, and workforce shortages, Dr. Ogunyemi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the health system through collaborative efforts. She noted that agencies like the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) and the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) are already implementing aspects of the clinical governance model to ensure compliance and expand access to quality healthcare across Lagos.