The Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has intensified its community outreach efforts across Lagos State, stepping up advocacy against unregistered health facilities and unsafe medical practices.
At a sensitisation campaign and town hall meeting held recently in Ojo Local Government Area, the Permanent Secretary of the Agency, Dr. Abiola Idowu, emphasised the need for residents to take greater responsibility for their health choices by patronising only licensed and accredited healthcare providers.
Dr. Idowu, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Health Education, Mrs. Oladunni Omonike, noted that the ongoing statewide campaign is aimed at bringing regulatory awareness closer to communities while empowering residents to identify legitimate healthcare centres through official verification tools such as registration insignia and QR codes.
She explained that the Agency’s engagement drive has significantly improved public awareness and participation, with turnout exceeding expectations in several local government areas visited so far.
According to her, increased awareness has also led to a rise in actionable reports from the public, enabling the Agency to respond more swiftly to illegal operations.
She revealed that multiple unregistered facilities have already been shut down in recent weeks, signalling a firm commitment to enforcement.
Providing further insight, HEFAMAA’s Chief Nutrition Officer, Mr. Richard Olusanya, reiterated the Agency’s regulatory mandate, highlighting that healthcare facilities must operate within clearly defined professional standards.
He stressed that only qualified and licensed practitioners are permitted to manage medical establishments, warning against the dangers of untrained individuals offering multiple specialised services without proper certification.
Olusanya also noted that routine inspections are conducted periodically to ensure compliance with staffing requirements, equipment standards, and environmental safety protocols, adding that healthcare providers must display their registration credentials prominently to assure patients of their legitimacy.
