LASG Vows to Ensure Conformity in Assisted Conception
Lagos State Government vows to ensure practitioners of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in the State conform strictly to standards to allow patients have access to quality services in assisted conception.
Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi gave this assurance at a stakeholders forum organised by the Association of Fertility and Reproductive Health (AFRH) in Lagos.
Abayomi who was represented by the Executive Secretary, Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, (HEFAMAA), Dr. Abiola Idowu pointed out that the State Government is very passionate at ensuring that all facilities offering assisted conception services across the State conform to minimum set standards and also deploy the right and basic equipment to provide quality services.
According to him, State Government partnered AFRH to ensure adequate supervision of all facilities providing fertility services across the State adding that the State would put in extra efforts to remove the myths surrounding infertility and reproduction through effective campaign, education and sensitization.
Prof. Abayomi noted that the forum was meant to create a robust interface between fertility specialists, members of the AFRH and all stakeholders involved in fertility treatment as well as passing on necessary information to patients so that they do not associate with quacks.
He disclosed that the Lagos State Government had earlier inaugurated a seven-man committee early this year to monitor, regulate and enforce quality compliance in A.R.T practice in the State.
The Commissioner applauded the constitution of the committee noting this was in line with Lagos State government’s vision to ensure best practices in assisted fertility practice adding that the inauguration of the committee aimed at fostering professionalism, quality assurance as well as curbing quackery in the assisted fertility practice.
Abayomi advised members of the public to patronize facilities with HEFAMAA logo and interface with HEFAMAA’s portal known as E-Hefamaa which has one of its schedules dedicated to Assisted Reproductive Technology.
He assured that HEFAMAA in collaboration with the committee will do all it takes to ensure best practices in assisted reproductive and fertility practice.
Said he: “HEFAMAA is known for its tough stance against quackery and unprofessional practices, and in line with our mandates, sanity must return to ART practice.
“I therefore used this medium to urge all practitioners and health facilities involved in ART practice to register and ensure proper accreditation with HEFAMAA because it will not be business as usual”, He said.
President of AFRH, Dr. Ibrahim Wada who was represented by the First Vice-President of the Association, Dr. Preye Fiebai applauded the Lagos State Government for setting the pace in the regulation of ART practice in the country.
He assured that the Committee would bring about outstanding achievements and work assiduously to re-position the practice of ART in the State.
Past President of AFRH, Dr. Faye Iketubosin also noted that the purpose of the forum was to educate and sensitize the populace on infertility and give them opportunity to ask questions and make comments and contributions on their experiences with assisted conception.
“This will afford us the opportunity to get feedback from the public,” he remarked.
There were lecture presentations on: Overview of Assisted Reproductive Technology and Initial Patient Assessment by Dr. Lateef Akinola; Clinical Treatment Options and Stimulation Protocols by Dr. Olugbenga Ogunkoya; Laboratory Overview and Processes by Mr. Femi Akinrinola and Nursing Role and Counselling by Dr. Kehinde Bamgbona .