Health
Medical Negligences: Dr Agbakoba urges FG to bring back supervisory body for Nigerian hospitals
The last Chief Medical Officer of Nigeria was Dr. Samuel Layinka Manuwa.Today, under the National Health Act and State Health Laws, this essential regulatory infrastructure no longer exists.
Dr Olisa Agbakoba has called on the Federal Government to immediately restablish an independent Health Regulatory Authority with powers to inspect facilities, enforce standards, and sanction non-compliance public and private hospitals.
Agbakoba, SAN Senior Partner & Head Medical Practice, Olisa Agbakoba Legal, made the call today, citing the case of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s son , and other Nigerians who have died as a result of medical negligences.
While commiserating with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, Agbakoba noted that the fundamental problem underlying these tragedies is the complete failure of the legal and regulatory framework governing Nigeria’s health sector.
Agbakoba noted that in the old days, the healthcare system functioned under a robust supervisory structure. Chief Medical Officers and Health Inspectors were responsible for oversight of critical care, ensuring compliance with standards, and holding practitioners accountable.
“The last Chief Medical Officer of Nigeria was Dr. Samuel Layinka Manuwa.Today, under the National Health Act and State Health Laws, this essential regulatory infrastructure no longer exists.
He emphasised, ” Our health sector has become over centralised under the Federal Minister of Health, causing states to become lax in oversight responsibilities.
As a result, health facilities and medical practitioners operate with alarming impunity.
There is no requirement for routine submission of reports, no systematic inspections, and no effective enforcement of professional standards. Ministers of Health and Commissioners of Health have assumed roles that conflate policy-making with regulatory enforcement—a fundamental governance failure.
There must be a clear separation of functions: Health Ministers and Commissioners should focus on policy development and strategic direction, whilst independent Health Inspectors and regulatory bodies must be empowered to enforce standards, conduct inspections, and ensure accountability,” he said.
” As a medical negligence legal specialist, I must express grave concern about the recurring incidents of absolutely preventable deaths resulting from medical negligence by health practitioners across Nigeria.
“There must be a clear separation of functions: Health Ministers and Commissioners should focus on policy development and strategic direction, whilst independent Health Inspectors and regulatory bodies must be empowered to enforce standards, conduct inspections, and ensure accountability.”
Agbakoba, therefore emphasised for:
1.Reinstitution of the Office of Chief Medical Officer at federal and state levels with clear enforcement mandates;
2. Mandatory registration and periodic inspection of all health facilities with transparent reporting requirements;
3. Independent investigation mechanisms with powers to access and preserve medical records, preventing tampering or alteration;
4. Clear separation between policy formulation and regulatory enforcement within the health sector governance structure;
5.Comprehensive legislative reform to update Nigeria’s health laws to reflect modern standards of care, accountability, and patient protection; and the time for comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s health system is long overdue.
“We cannot continue to lose precious lives to preventable medical errors whilst the regulatory framework remains in shambles.
This is a matter of national emergency that demands immediate legislative and executive action,” he said.
Health
Pharmacists body urges FG to establish presidential committee for sector
The association noted that local drug production currently accounts for just over 38 percent of national demand, far below the 70 percent target set in the National Drug Policy 2021.
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) urges the Federal Government to establish a presidential committee dedicated to the pharmaceutical sector, implementing the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, and strengthening existing laws against fake drugs.
ACPN made the call while reacting to the government’s recent ban on imported drugs, describing the move as a strategic step toward strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing and conserving foreign exchange.
In a statement jointly signed by its National Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh and National Secretary, Omokhafe Ashore, the association said the updated prohibition schedule covering drugs under HS Codes 3003.10.00.00 through 3004.90.00 signals renewed commitment to protecting domestic industry players.
The ACPN specifically highlighted the ban on the importation of commonly used medicines such as paracetamol tablets and syrups, metronidazole, clotrimazole, chloroquine, multivitamins, aspirin and folic acid, as well as topical preparations like penicillin and gentamycin ointments.
It described the development as a “step in the right direction” that would boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.
The association noted that local drug production currently accounts for just over 38 percent of national demand, far below the 70 percent target set in the National Drug Policy 2021.
It attributed this gap partly to continued dependence on imports, especially from China and India, which it said accounts for about 65 per cent of drug supply in the country.
It also urged reforms in pharmaceutical education and training to expand the pool of skilled professionals across industry, clinical, hospital and community practice.
Health
2026 World Malaria Day: WHO lists 5 steps to eliminate malaria by 2030
World Malaria Day 2026 is observed on April 25th under the theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed five priority steps that could be taken by malaria-endemic countries especially in Africa to achieve the 2030 global target of eliminating malaria.
WHO emphasises the need for global malaria eradication marking the 2026 World Malaria Day with the theme: “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must”
World Malaria Day 2026 is observed on April 25th under the theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must”.
It highlights the potential to eliminate malaria in our lifetime, supported by new vaccines and next-generation nets, while urging immediate, accelerated action to address rising threats.
First, WHO said that countries must lead the malaria response with strong national ownership. It noted that when governments prioritize malaria as a dividend of national development and mobilize domestic resources, they lay the foundation for sustainable impact.
Second, it suggested a strategic intelligence action. It noted that robust surveillance systems, improved use of evidence and data analytics allow countries to anticipate threats, deploy interventions more effectively and ensure that resources are used where they can achieve the greatest impact.
Third, it highlighted that innovation must be accelerated and scaled equitably.
WHO said the introduction of malaria vaccines, new vector control tools, and improved treatment strategies represents a major step forward.
At the same time, strengthening Africa’s research capacity and regional manufacturing can help ensure that innovation benefits those who need it most.
Fourth, it insisted that Primary Health Care (PHC) centres must remain at the center of the malaria response. And that people-centered health services delivered through strong community platforms enable early diagnosis, timely treatment and sustained prevention.
And fifth, WHO noted that ending malaria requires a whole-of-society effort. Environmental, social and economic factors shape malaria transmission.
Health
Cross River identifies 10 more persons with COVID symptoms
The epidemiologist reminded members of the public that COVID-19, which broke out six years ago, had not been totally eliminated.
The Cross River State government that contact tracing carried out by health officials have dentified and isolated 10 persons who interacted with the Chinese national who reimported COVID-19 into Nigeria.
The State’s Epidemiologist, Dr Inyang Ekpenyong, said that her team visited the Chinese national’s work place in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.
“They were identified during contact tracing carried out by health officials. We’ve restricted their movements to their homes, so that they do not spread the symptoms to other persons, she said.”
The epidemiologist reminded members of the public that COVID-19, which broke out six years ago, had not been totally eliminated.
She cautioned people to habitually sanitise their hands, use nose masks, and adhere to other prescriptions by experts.
Presidency replies Emir Sanusi on “Why are we still borrowing and borrowing?”
Nigeria Issues Safety Advisory to Citizens in South Africa over attacks on foreigners
Ex-Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo dies after collapsing during match
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Politics3 days agoPolice Disrupt BAT/OGD Rally in Ogun
-
Business3 days agoGovernment Can’t Run Business Effectively – Dele Oye
-
News3 days agoAdelabu Submits Resignation Letter to SGF, Recommends Creation of Coordinating Minister for Energy
-
Crime3 days agoBandits storm Zamfara communities, kill 14
-
News3 days agoNigeria’s Ambassador to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, dies at 50
-
News3 days agoJonathan visits Tinubu in Aso Rock
-
Health2 days agoPharmacists body urges FG to establish presidential committee for sector
-
News3 days agoAlleged Coup Plotters Plead Not Guilty