As part of its efforts to curb quackery in the health sector, the Lagos State government, through the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), has engaged residents of Ikorodu to help identify and report illegal or unregistered health facilities in their communities.
The sensitization exercise encouraged community members to act as watchdogs by looking out for registered health facilities displaying the agency’s regulatory logo and QR code, which signify compliance with approved healthcare standards and the presence of qualified medical personnel.
Speaking with journalists during the engagement at the Ikorodu Local Government yesterday, the Permanent Secretary, Abiola Idowu, explained that the ongoing sensitization across all local government areas aims to help residents easily identify legitimate health facilities and avoid illegal operators who pose risks to public health.
She noted that HEFAMAA relies on continuous monitoring and community feedback to identify unregistered or substandard facilities, which are shut down until they meet the required standards and complete the registration process. This system is designed to guide the public in making informed healthcare choices.
Idowu, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Health Education, Oladunni Omonike, said the Ikorodu sensitization is part of a statewide exercise covering all 20 local government areas. Fifteen councils were reached last year, while the remaining five will be covered between February and early March this year.
She stressed that by patronizing only registered facilities, residents protect their health and support the government’s efforts to regulate healthcare delivery across Lagos State. “The main purpose is to monitor healthcare facilities operating without HEFAMAA approval and ensure that only registered centres with qualified personnel provide services to the public,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary also issued a stern warning to religious houses conducting deliveries for pregnant women without agency approval, emphasizing that such practices are illegal and pose serious risks to the health and safety of mothers and newborns.
Any faith-based centre involved in maternity services must obtain proper registration and meet required healthcare standards. The agency will sanction defaulters to safeguard lives and ensure quality healthcare delivery.
Also speaking, Chief Nutrition Officer Richard Olusanya explained that all approved centres, ranging from physiotherapy clinics and laboratories to private and government hospitals, are required to display the official HEFAMAA logo and QR code.
He noted that even public facilities, such as the General Hospital in Ikorodu, carry the logo, which clearly indicates that they are certified and authorized to render healthcare services to residents of the area.
Olusanya added that HEFAMAA sets minimum operational standards that every healthcare facility must satisfy before approval. These standards include the presence of qualified personnel, such as doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, and other relevant healthcare workers.
He emphasized that a facility must have the appropriate mix of professionals, including doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, laboratory technicians, and other healthcare workers. Healthcare centres cannot be established by merely assembling individuals without the requisite training and certification.
“Facilities must also be properly equipped. Hospitals and clinics are expected to have functional medical equipment that meets regulatory standards, as this is essential for safe and effective healthcare delivery to Lagos residents,” he added.
