HEFAMAA leads statewide drive to expose fake health facilities

The Lagos State Government has intensified its drive to improve healthcare standards with a community sensitisation campaign in Eti-Osa, aimed at educating residents on the importance of patronising accredited health facilities.

The campaign, organised by the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), seeks to enlighten residents on how to identify duly accredited centres and understand why using only such facilities ensures safe, reliable, and quality medical care.

Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, Dr. Abiola Idowu, explained that accreditation is granted only after thorough inspection and evaluation of facilities to confirm compliance with safety, hygiene, and professional standards.

She added that accredited centres not only guarantee patient safety but also enjoy access to government support and resources.

Represented by the Deputy Director of Health Education, Mrs. Oladunni Omonike, Dr. Idowu spoke at a town hall meeting held at the Eti-Osa Local Government Council headquarters, where she said the outreach became necessary to protect residents from falling victim to quack operators.

“HEFAMAA was created under the 2006 Health Reform Law to monitor all health facilities in Lagos. Many residents are still unaware of our role, so we are visiting every local government to educate them on how to access quality care and where to report complaints,” she said.

The Permanent Secretary identified quackery as one of the agency’s biggest challenges, noting that illegal practitioners often operate from private homes or hidden locations.

“We’ve been tackling this menace with support from the government and through our improved monitoring system. Many unregistered facilities have been discovered, shut down, and guided on proper registration,” she stated.

She urged residents to support HEFAMAA’s efforts by reporting suspicious practices or illegal operators through its complaint channels.

“If you see something, say something,” she appealed, adding that every accredited facility now displays a QR code that allows visitors to verify its status and lodge complaints directly.

According to her, the agency has covered nine of the 20 local government areas in Lagos and plans to complete sensitisation in 14 by year-end, with the remainder scheduled for the first quarter of next year.

The Medical Officer of Health for Eti-Osa Health City, Dr. Yebanji Ilegbushi, commended the initiative, noting that many residents struggle to differentiate between hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.

She said the campaign will help residents identify accredited providers and make informed healthcare choices.

Dr. Ilegbushi also cautioned against pharmacies and laboratories performing unauthorised medical services such as administering vaccines or prescribing drugs.

She explained that HEFAMAA conducts unannounced biannual inspections to ensure strict compliance and maintain public health standards.

During the interactive session, community members raised concerns over religious leaders and unlicensed chemists engaging in healthcare practices.

HEFAMAA officials clarified that while other agencies monitor pharmacists and chemists, the agency collaborates closely with all relevant regulators to track and sanction offenders.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the health of Lagos residents by ensuring that all health facilities operate within approved standards and by continuously engaging communities in the fight against quackery.