By Justus Adejumoh

Copyright independent

LAGOS – In a landmark collaboration aimed at transforming the nation’s healthcare landscape, the Society for Quality in Healthcare in Nigeria (SQHN) has officially partnered with the National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee (NTHISC) under the aegis of the Federal Ministry of Health formalising a national partnership to assess, accredit, and build capacity in tertiary healthcare institutions across the country.

This landmark collaboration aligns with the mandate of NTHISC under the National Health Act (2014), which empowers the committee to set minimum standards aligned with global best practices, conduct regular inspections, and improve the quality of care in federally-funded tertiary health institutions.

“We are immensely proud to partner with NTHISC and the Federal Ministry of Health to formalise our commitment to improving healthcare quality,” said Dr. Damilola Matti, Executive Manager, Society for Quality in Healthcare in Nigeria (SQHN), at the official signing of the MoU. “This moment is bigger than a signature. It is a declaration of what we believe Nigerian healthcare should be. Through this partnership with NTHISC, SQHN is not just assessing institutions; we are helping to rebuild trust in our hospitals, restore dignity to patient care and reaffirm that excellence is possible — right here, at home. This MoU is a powerful step towards a healthier and more resilient Nigeria.”

The ceremony brought together senior government and regulatory leaders, underscoring the broad-based commitment to this critical initiative. Key attendees included Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare (represented by Dr. Kamil Shoretire, Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics); Dr. Jimoh Olawale Salaudeen, Director of Hospital Services at the Federal Ministry of Health; Prof. Fatima Kyari, Registrar of the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council (MDCN), and Prof. Emem Bassey, Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of Federal Tertiary Hospitals.

The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, as represented by Dr. Kamil Shoretire, emphasised, “Our federal tertiary hospitals must transform into vibrant hubs of healing and hope, where patients not only receive excellent medical care but are treated with dignity and compassion. Together, we are building trust between patients and providers and securing a healthier future for generations to come.”

Furthermore, the Chairman of the NTHISC, Prof. Abiodun Philip, highlighted the tangible outcomes of the collaboration, noting that it will enable periodic hospital assessments and introduce a performance-based ranking system. He also said the initiative would help reduce medical tourism by ensuring Nigerians have access to world-class services within the country.