The Lagos State Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has concluded its statewide sensitisation campaign across the 20 Local Government Areas of Lagos State, with the final engagement held in Ibeju-Lekki.
Eko Hot News reports that the closing town hall meeting took place at the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Secretariat, bringing together herbal practitioners, community leaders and healthcare stakeholders to discuss regulatory standards guiding healthcare practice in the state.
During the engagement, the Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, Abiola Idowu, cautioned herbal practitioners against administering conventional medicines alongside traditional remedies without proper authorisation.
Idowu, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Health Education, Oladunni Omonike, explained that operators of herbal centres and faith-based establishments are expected to limit their services strictly to recognised traditional medical practices.
She emphasised that the combination of conventional medicine with unregulated herbal treatment does not align with established healthcare regulations in Lagos State.
According to her, adherence to proper guidelines is essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents who rely on different forms of healthcare services.
The Permanent Secretary further explained that traditional medicine practitioners in Lagos State are required to operate under the supervision of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board.
She noted that the board is the statutory body responsible for regulating traditional medical practice and ensuring practitioners comply with approved professional standards.
Idowu added that HEFAMAA works closely with the Traditional Medicine Board to strengthen monitoring, promote compliance and maintain safe healthcare practices across the state.
She stated that the sensitisation programme was designed to educate healthcare operators and improve understanding of the regulatory framework guiding health services in Lagos.
According to her, the initiative is part of broader efforts by HEFAMAA to enhance the quality of healthcare delivery and promote safe medical practices across both public and private facilities.
“The purpose of these engagements is to ensure that practitioners clearly understand the regulations guiding healthcare services in Lagos State and the importance of operating within approved standards,” she said.
Idowu also emphasised that the agency prioritises education and collaboration in its approach to regulation, encouraging practitioners to seek guidance and remain compliant with established standards.
She added that continuous stakeholder engagement remains a key strategy in strengthening healthcare regulation and improving public awareness.
Also speaking at the event, HEFAMAA’s Chief Nutrition Officer, Richard Olusanya, highlighted the agency’s efforts to increase awareness about accredited healthcare facilities.
He explained that the agency had engaged residents, community leaders, religious groups and healthcare providers across the state during the sensitisation exercise.
Olusanya noted that the Ibeju-Lekki engagement marked the final stage of the statewide campaign conducted across all 20 Local Government Areas in Lagos State.
He expressed optimism that the programme would strengthen understanding of regulatory standards and encourage healthcare operators to comply with approved practices.
The campaign also aimed to encourage residents to seek care from properly accredited health facilities to ensure quality healthcare services.
Stakeholders who attended the town hall meeting included herbal practitioners, community leaders and other representatives within the healthcare sector.
Participants engaged in discussions on how collaboration between regulatory agencies and practitioners can support improved healthcare services across Lagos State.
Observers noted that the sensitisation exercise has contributed to increased awareness of the responsibilities of healthcare providers and the importance of maintaining professional standards.
HEFAMAA officials reiterated the agency’s commitment to promoting safe, regulated and quality healthcare services for residents across Lagos State.
They also encouraged healthcare practitioners to continue working with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with established healthcare guidelines.
The event concluded with stakeholders expressing support for the agency’s efforts to strengthen healthcare regulation and protect public health through sustained engagement.
