Speaker urges stronger parliamentary oversight of health regulators

Parliament's Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has issued a strong call for enhanced parliamentary oversight of health professional regulation throughout Africa. He stressed that robust supervision is crucial for safeguarding patients and ensuring equitable practices within the continent's health sectors.

Bagbin articulated that African parliaments must evolve beyond mere legislative functions. He advocates for a proactive approach where lawmakers regularly assess whether health regulatory bodies are adequately equipped with the necessary powers, resources, and effective systems to fulfill their mandate of protecting the public.

The Speaker's remarks highlight a perceived gap between regulatory frameworks and their practical implementation. By demanding a deeper level of scrutiny, Bagbin aims to ensure that regulatory bodies are not only established by law but are also functional and effective in their mission to uphold standards and protect patient welfare across Africa.

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African parliaments must move beyond passing laws to regularly assess whether health regulatory bodies had the powers, resources and systems required to protect …