January 21, (THEWILL) – The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has partnered with Canada’s Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario to launch the Best Practice Spotlight Organisation initiative aimed at transforming healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The initiative, unveiled in Abuja, seeks to improve the quality of healthcare by implementing RNAO’s evidence-based Best Practice Guidelines.
It is a collaborative effort to empower nurses with the tools to deliver culturally sensitive, patient-centered care and aligns with the federal government’s health agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by Pharmacist Olubunmi Aribeana, highlighted the significance of the partnership.
In a statement issued by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, she noted that the Ministry would oversee the training, mentoring, and support of Federal Tertiary Health Institutions in the application of RNAO’s guidelines.
“This initiative represents a critical step in fostering a healthcare system that prioritizes the highest standards of care. It is designed to enhance population health outcomes and strengthen the Ministry’s health agenda,” Kachollom said.
Fifteen hospitals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including a district hospital in the Federal Capital Territory, have been selected for the pilot phase of the program.
A four-day training session for teams from these hospitals commenced alongside the launch, according to Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh, Director of Hospital Services, who was represented by Dr. Okpiko Okpako.
Jimoh emphasised the initiative’s potential to foster an exchange of cultural knowledge and elevate caregiving standards in both Nigeria and Canada.
Dr. Doris Grinspun, RNAO’s CEO, who signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the initiative, expressed optimism about its transformative potential. “This collaboration demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to advancing nursing practices and healthcare delivery,” she said.
Goodwill messages from nursing associations commended the Ministry’s efforts to prioritize professional development and capacity building for nurses. They noted that the initiative positions Nigeria as a leader in nursing transformation on the African continent.
Pharmacist Olubunmi Aribeana, Director of Food and Drugs, reiterated the importance of equipping healthcare workers to meet evolving challenges. “This initiative will ensure the delivery of high-quality, patient-focused care while contributing to the professional growth of our nurses,” she said.
Representatives of the participating hospitals lauded the program as a timely intervention to improve patient care nationwide.
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