Health Ministry signs landmark MoU with PharmAccess to scale SafeCare quality standards in tertiary hospitals and improve healthcare delivery nationwide

The agreement, sealed in Abuja through the National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee (NTHISC), is expected to transform federal hospitals into centres of excellence by strengthening capacity, raising care standards, and improving patient outcomes nationwide.

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Speaking at the signing ceremony, NTHISC Chairman, Prof Philip Abiodun, described the collaboration as a pivotal step in embedding quality as a national benchmark.

“The framework we are putting in place will enable tertiary hospitals to undergo structured assessment, performance-based ranking, and capacity building.

This MoU marks the beginning of a new phase in our journey toward significantly improved tertiary healthcare services that Nigerians can be proud of,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Kunle Salako, represented by Dr Kamil Shoretire, stressed that quality healthcare is “the backbone of a thriving nation” and vital for productivity.

“Our federal tertiary hospitals must transform into vibrant hubs of healing and hope. This partnership will ensure patients not only receive excellent care but are treated with dignity and compassion,” he noted.

PharmAccess Nigeria’s Country Director, Mrs Njide Ndili, called the MoU a milestone in health system strengthening.

She explained that SafeCare standards have been tested in 24 countries and piloted in three Nigerian federal hospitals with promising results, paving the way for nationwide rollout.

Programme Director of SafeCare, Dr Ibironke Dada, highlighted measurable improvements in hospitals already enrolled, such as FMC Ebute Metta.

She added that the phased 24-month approach would help tertiary hospitals build quality teams, digitise processes, and drive continuous improvement.

Under the MoU, PharmAccess and NTHISC will conduct baseline assessments, provide technical support, train hospital quality units, and track progress through a digitised platform offering real-time performance visibility.

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The initiative is aligned with the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, designed to save lives, reduce financial hardship, enhance patient experience, and deliver equitable health outcomes across the country.