Renowned healthcare entrepreneur and investor, Dr. Richardson Ajayi has advocated for the establishment of the National Healthcare Facility Regulation Agency (NHFRA) to address the ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
In an interview monitored in Abuja on Tuesday in Abuja, Ajayi emphasised the urgent need for safe, effective and affordable healthcare. He pointed out that many Nigerians are currently exposed to unsafe practices, unregulated facilities and poor treatment outcomes.
Ajayi proposed that the NHFRA would function as a regulatory body to establish and enforce standards across all healthcare facilities, ensuring that patient safety is prioritised and fostering public trust in the health sector.
Drawing parallels with the highly regulated banking, telecommunications, and pension sectors, he noted how regulation has transformed these markets, protected consumers and created growth opportunities. He asked, “Why should healthcare be any different? Regulation is about fostering trust, safety and equity. It’s about building a system we can all rely on.”
According to Ajayi, an effectively regulated healthcare system would not only promote trust but also ensure equitable and accessible services for all Nigerians, regardless of their socioeconomic status. He posed a critical question: “What would a healthcare system built on trust and patient safety look like in Nigeria?”
The proposed agency would ensure compliance with global standards, prevent unsafe practices and hold facilities accountable for their treatment outcomes. He urged policymakers, stakeholders and the Nigerian public to envision a healthcare system that prioritises the well-being of its citizens and to take bold steps toward achieving this vision.
Ajayi’s call to action raises an important question: Is Nigeria ready for a transformative healthcare regulatory framework?
