Lagos Guild of Medical Directors Mandates Quality Standards

The Guild of Medical Directors (GMD), Lagos Branch, has announced that quality improvement programs will be mandatory for all its members, establishing Care Level Three as the minimum standard for private healthcare facilities after a grace period. This initiative was disclosed by Chairman Dr Omoniyi Fagbemi during the 2026 Scientific Conference themed “Emergency Preparedness for Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases.” Fagbemi emphasized the critical role of private healthcare facilities in identifying and responding to disease outbreaks, citing recent diphtheria outbreaks in Nigeria as evidence of the need for preparedness.

He stated that participation in quality improvement programs would eventually become a policy requirement for all Guild members. Additionally, Dr Adefolarin Opawoye, an infectious disease expert, warned that without effective triage, surveillance, isolation, and referral systems, outbreaks could overwhelm healthcare systems.

Fagbemi also highlighted the importance of developing resilient healthcare systems that can endure beyond individual medical directors.