The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the state into a leading destination for medical tourism in West Africa. This ambitious goal was highlighted by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, during the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency’s (HEFAMAA) World Patient Safety Day event.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Abayomi emphasized the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare delivery through innovation and technology. “We have a mandate from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to meet ambitious targets. These include establishing universal healthcare coverage in this mega city and making Lagos the number one destination for medical tourism in Nigeria, West Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa,” he stated.
The event, held at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, focused on the theme: ‘Improving Diagnosis for Patient Safety: Enhancing Diagnostic Accuracy Through Technology and Innovation.’ Prof. Abayomi expressed excitement about the thematic focus, stressing that enhancing diagnostic precision is key to ensuring better patient outcomes. “As doctors, we know that globally, the first step is empathy. The compassionate interaction with your patient sets the tone for a trusting relationship, where patients feel safe to share sensitive information. This trust is crucial in establishing an accurate diagnosis,” he added.
Dr. Abiola Idowu, the Executive Secretary of HEFAMAA, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of patient protection in healthcare systems. “Patients’ protection is the foundation of any healthcare system. We urge healthcare professionals to adopt a culture of transparency and accountability by acknowledging and reporting diagnostic errors and learning from them to prevent recurrence,” she said.
The Lagos State Government’s strategy includes significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and the adoption of advanced medical technologies. “HEFAMAA is committed to ensuring that healthcare facilities meet the highest standards of diagnostic accuracy and safety by setting and enforcing minimum standards,” Dr. Idowu noted. She highlighted the critical role patients play in the diagnostic process, encouraging them to ask questions and seek second opinions when necessary.
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Health, Kemi Ogunyemi, emphasized the need for continuous improvement in healthcare delivery. “The theme of the event reflects a crucial aspect of healthcare delivery that must be continuously improved for accurate diagnosis,” she said.
