HEFAMAA: $3 Trillion Lost Annually To Unsafe Healthcare Services

Yesterday, Dr. Abiola Idowu, the Executive Secretary of the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), stated that one to three trillion dollars is lost annually and 2.6 million deaths are recorded globally from unsafe care.

Speaking at a ceremony by her agency to commemorate the 2023 World Patient Safety Day, she pointed out that 134 million patients suffer adverse effects from unsafe care while in health facilities.

Idowu, who gave an overview and significance of the day at the event, said it was important that all stakeholders took steps to ensure patients’ safety.

She promised that her agency would consistently work to promote patients’ safety across health facilities in Lagos.

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The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Olusegun Ogboye, said that the occasion reaffirmed the government’s commitment to patients’ safety.

The Permanent Secretary, who Dr. Rotimi Agbolagoriite represented, also said the ministry had ensured that patients, who seek care, receive affordable, equitable and quality healthcare service delivery in the state, stating that the event was a call for people to be active partners in their health journey as professionals foster, promote literacy and accountability.

Dr. Yemisi Solanke-Koya, the Chairman of the Board of HEFAMAA, added that engaging the community in patient safety initiatives widens the communication channels and provides insight into the unique perspective of patients regarding their healthcare options.