The Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has intensified grassroots engagement across Lagos to combat unregistered health facilities and unsafe medical practices, with fresh advocacy activities held in Ojo.
Eko Hot News reports that the agency convened a sensitisation campaign and town hall meeting in Ojo Local Government Area to educate residents on the dangers of patronising illegal healthcare providers. The outreach forms part of a statewide drive to strengthen regulatory awareness at the community level.
The Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, Dr Abiola Idowu, urged residents to take responsibility for their health decisions by visiting only licensed and accredited facilities. She stressed that verifying the legitimacy of healthcare centres is essential to safeguarding lives.
Represented at the event by Mrs Oladunni Omonike, Deputy Director of Health Education, Idowu highlighted the importance of identifying approved facilities through official registration insignia and QR codes. She explained that these verification tools help residents distinguish genuine providers from quacks.
The agency noted that turnout at similar engagements across several local government areas has exceeded expectations. Increased participation, according to officials, reflects growing public interest in health sector accountability and patient safety.
HEFAMAA disclosed that heightened awareness has led to a surge in actionable public reports. The feedback has enabled enforcement teams to respond swiftly to complaints about illegal operations in various communities.
In recent weeks, multiple unregistered health facilities have been shut down as part of the crackdown. The agency described the closures as a clear signal of its zero-tolerance stance against quackery in Lagos State.
HEFAMAA’s Chief Nutrition Officer, Mr. Richard Olusanya, reaffirmed the agency’s regulatory mandate. He stated that healthcare establishments must operate within defined professional standards and comply with statutory requirements.
Olusanya warned that only qualified and licensed practitioners are permitted to manage medical facilities. He cautioned against untrained individuals offering specialised services without proper certification, describing such practices as dangerous and unlawful.
He added that routine inspections are conducted to assess staffing levels, equipment quality, and environmental safety standards. Facilities are also required to display valid registration credentials prominently to assure patients of their legitimacy.
The agency reiterated its commitment to sustained community engagement and strict enforcement to protect residents from unsafe medical practices.
