The Nigerian Government has urged health professional regulatory bodies to reciprocate ongoing government support by strengthening regulation, enforcing compliance, and upholding professional standards across the healthcare sector.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, made the call during the commissioning of the South East Zonal Office of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria in Enugu.
Dr. Salako recalled that upon assumption of office in May 2023, President Bola Tinubu restored government budgetary funding to professional regulatory bodies, including those in the health sector, in recognition of their critical role in improving healthcare quality nationwide.
“The renewed funding support reflects government’s commitment under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative to strengthen institutions responsible for maintaining professional standards and safeguarding patient safety,” he said.
According to the Minister, effective regulation remains essential to preventing quackery, malpractice, and declining standards of care, warning that weak oversight compromises patient outcomes and undermines confidence in the health system.
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He therefore charged regulatory agencies to justify government’s intervention by ensuring strict monitoring of professional conduct, adherence to ethical standards, and continuous quality improvement within their respective fields.
Dr. Salako reaffirmed Government’s determination to eliminate quackery, negligence, and other professional infractions.
He said “The appropriate sanctions would be applied to offenders in line with existing regulations,”.
The Minister expressed optimism that the newly commissioned zonal office would improve access to registration, licensing, compliance monitoring, and continuing professional development for radiography practitioners across the South East and neighbouring regions.
He described the facility as a significant milestone toward strengthening radiography practice and enhancing patient care delivery in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Nigerian Government.
Dr. Salako also commended the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, for supporting health sector development, assuring continued collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the state government to expand access to quality and affordable healthcare services.
“We acknowledged the leadership of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria under its Registrar, Mark Chukwudi Okeji, for successfully delivering the zonal office project aimed at strengthening professional regulation in the country,” the Minister added..