Commissioner: Lagos Poised To become West Africa’s Top Medical Tourism Hub

Commissioner: Lagos Poised To Become West Africa’s Top Medical Tourism Hub

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has reiterated the state’s commitment to becoming a premier destination for medical tourism in Nigeria and West Africa. Speaking at the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency’s (HEFAMAA) World Patient Safety Day event on Wednesday, Abayomi emphasized ongoing efforts to create a safe and effective healthcare delivery system in Lagos……CONTINUE READING 

He highlighted that these efforts include innovative approaches aimed at enhancing the health sector. The event, themed *‘Improving Diagnosis for Patient Safety: Enhancing Diagnostic Accuracy Through Technology and Innovation,’* took place at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Abayomi expressed enthusiasm about the focus on diagnostic precision, stating that it is essential for improving patient outcomes. “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has tasked us with ambitious goals, including establishing universal healthcare coverage and making Lagos the leading destination for medical tourism in Nigeria, West Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa,” he said.

He underscored the importance of empathy in healthcare, noting that compassionate interactions are fundamental to building trust with patients, which is critical for accurate diagnoses.

In her remarks, HEFAMAA Executive Secretary Dr. Abiola Idowu stressed that patient protection is the cornerstone of any healthcare system. She encouraged healthcare professionals to foster a culture of transparency and accountability by acknowledging diagnostic errors and learning from them to prevent future occurrences.

Idowu also emphasized the vital role patients play in the diagnostic process, urging providers to empower patients to ask questions and seek second opinions when necessary. “HEFAMAA is dedicated to ensuring that healthcare facilities adhere to the highest standards of diagnostic accuracy and safety,” she stated.

Citing World Health Organization statistics, she warned that 20% to 40% of healthcare spending is wasted due to misdiagnosis, with 1 in 15 patients suffering harm from their care. “It’s crucial that we focus on improving diagnostic accuracy,” she urged.

Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser on Health to the Lagos State Government, echoed the event’s theme, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement in healthcare delivery for accurate diagnoses. She noted that the government is investing in health infrastructure, equipping diagnostic labs and primary healthcare centers with modern technology.

Ogunyemi also highlighted initiatives to enhance the training of healthcare professionals, ensuring they are up-to-date with the latest medical knowledge and practices.

Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iru Land, commended HEFAMAA for its initiatives, emphasizing the necessity of robust patient safety mechanisms and ongoing education.