Lagos Introduces Clinical Governance Framework for Safer Healthcare

… Says Framework Will Ensure Accountability, Continuous Service Improvement Across Health Facilities

The Lagos State Government has introduced a Clinical Governance Framework aimed at ensuring accountability, continuous quality improvement, and patient-centred care across all public health facilities in the State.

Delivering a presentation titled “Lagos State Ministry of Health Clinical Governance” at the Health Policy Group Meeting held on Friday, 24th October, 2025, at the Ministry of Health Conference Room, Alausa, Ikeja, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi said the system would institutionalise consistent standards and safeguard patient safety throughout the Lagos health sector.

According to Dr. Ogunyemi, the Clinical Governance Framework places the patient at its core and is anchored on five critical pillars: patient safety, quality assurance, effective leadership, information management, and staff training and development. She stressed that clinical governance would only thrive under strong and clearly defined leadership structures that promote accountability and transparency at all operational levels.

Highlighting the quality assurance component, she explained that health agencies must develop and implement measurable standards, conduct periodic audits, and establish a non-punitive incident and complaints reporting system. “It should be seen as a learning process, not a blame exercise,” she said, emphasising the need to promote a culture of continuous improvement and encourage staff to identify areas for service enhancement.

Dr. Ogunyemi underscored patient safety as the top priority of the framework, noting that healthcare institutions must foster safe environments for both patients and health workers. She called for active patient participation in care decisions to achieve individualised care, stressing that “patients should be respected, well-informed, and involved in decision-making about their treatment.”

On capacity building, the Special Adviser advocated continuous staff training and professional development to strengthen skills, promote best practices, and achieve positive health outcomes. She added that information management systems must be optimised to collect, analyse, and use data to inform decision-making, risk management, and quality improvement.

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Dr. Ogunyemi identified inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, and staff shortages as persistent challenges to implementing clinical governance, but affirmed that the State Government remains committed to building on existing initiatives. “Together, we can establish a robust clinical governance system that improves the quality and safety of healthcare services in Lagos,” she said.

The presentation also highlighted the roles of regulatory and service agencies such as the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) and the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), both of which are already implementing aspects of the clinical governance model to ensure compliance and expand access to quality healthcare.