Experts Urge Stronger Safeguards As Nigeria Marks World Patient Safety Day

Experts Urge Stronger Safeguards as Nigeria Marks World Patient Safety Day Health and legal experts have called on the Federal Government to strengthen patient-safety measures across Nigeria’s healthcare system as the country marks the 2026 World Patient Safety Day. The call comes amid concerns over avoidable harm, medical errors, weak infrastructure and gaps in quality assurance in healthcare facilities. The World Health Organization estimates that about one in 10 patients globally experiences harm while receiving healthcare, with roughly half of such harm considered preventable. In Nigeria, experts cited put the rate at about one in five patients, while medical errors are estimated to contribute to about 250,000 deaths annually. Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Friday Okonofua, said medical negligence remains a significant problem and called for stronger enforcement of professional standards. He urged the government to improve the capacity of regulatory bodies, including the Medical and Dental Council, while also investing in healthcare infrastructure and better facilities. Experts identified medication and diagnostic errors, healthcare-associated infections, unsafe procedures and failures during transfers between healthcare providers among the sources of preventable harm. The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria also raised concerns about quality management in medical laboratories. Its president, Dr Casmir Ifeanyi, said laboratory results play a critical role in clinical decision-making and argued that healthcare facilities should institutionalise recognised quality-management systems and accredited laboratory services. He identified weak regulation and the activities of unqualified practitioners as additional threats to patient safety. Experts said healthcare institutions should establish systems for reporting medical incidents, learning from mistakes and preventing avoidable errors from recurring. The concerns come amid reports of increasing attacks on healthcare workers by frustrated patients and relatives. The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors reported assaults across at least 17 major tertiary hospitals as of June 2026. As Nigeria observes World Patient Safety Day, stakeholders are therefore urging stronger clinical governance, improved infrastructure, better quality assurance and effective regulatory enforcement to reduce preventable injuries and deaths.