The Federal Government has launched the Best Practice Spotlight Organisation (BPSO) initiative to strengthen nursing practice nationwide.
Under the initiative, which is in collaboration with the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO), Canada, nurses will be trained, mentored and equipped to deliver care that is not only evidence-based but also culturally sensitive and patient-centred.
About 15 hospitals across the country’s six geo-political zones have been selected for the programme’s pilot phase, including a District hospital in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will oversee nursing service delivery in Federal Tertiary Health Institutions (FTHIs), and support them in implementing RNAO’s Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs).
Speaking at the launch event in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, said the BPSO initiative offers a structured pathway for adopting and implementing best practice guidelines that will help Nigerian nurses join a global movement for evidence-based practice.
She emphasised that the initiative provides a structured framework for adopting best nursing practices, and aligns with the four-point health agenda and global sustainable development goals.
Kachollom observed that the initiative marks a significant step in improving population health outcomes and strengthening the healthcare value chain in Nigeria.
“The training programme is a critical component of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance the skills and expertise of nurses and other healthcare professionals, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet evolving healthcare challenges,” she added.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Olubunmi Aribeana, she explained that Nigeria is the first African country to partner with RNAO and attain the BPSO designation.
“This is a remarkable achievement as we recognise the vital role of nurses in fulfilling Nigeria’s healthcare mandate,” she stated.
Kachollom commended the RNAO for extending the programme to Nigeria and said it would help nurses and other healthcare professionals lead in evidence-based care, drive quality improvement, and improve health outcomes for Nigerians and Africans at large.
“As we launch this initiative, I encourage you to remain committed to upholding the highest standards of care.”
I urge you to leverage the knowledge, tools, and networks provided by this initiative to create a lasting impact on public health,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary said 15 hospitals have been selected for the pilot phase and urged them to uphold high professional standards. She said quality healthcare is key to reducing medical tourism and stemming the migration of healthcare professionals.
Chief Executive Officer of RNAO, Dr Doris Grinspun, expressed excitement over Nigeria becoming the first African country to launch the BPSO initiative. “The Ministry of Health is pioneering this partnership to improve health outcomes at the individual, organisational, and systemic levels,” she said.
“This is a transformative journey, and we know Nigerian nurses will work hard to show remarkable results. The nursing profession will lead this journey alongside other healthcare professionals, working together as teams to improve public health in Nigeria,” she stated.
The Director of Hospital Services, Dr Jimoh Salaudeen, represented by the Director of Regulatory and Professional Schools, Dr Okpikpo Okpako, described the launch as a major milestone in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
“By adopting best practices, we enhance healthcare services and empower our professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet international standards. This will not only reduce medical tourism but also help retain healthcare professionals in Nigeria,” he noted.
Head of Nursing Services at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, Obi Chinyere, said the programme will highlight exemplary healthcare practices and foster knowledge-sharing to drive positive change in our communities.
