HEFAMAA moves to bridge gap between health regulators, Lagos communities

…Urges residents to verify facilities using HEFAMAA logos, QR codes

The Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has intensified efforts to strengthen public confidence in Lagos State’s healthcare system by engaging directly with communities to educate residents on how to identify and patronise only accredited health facilities.

Speaking at a sensitisation campaign and town hall meeting held at Apapa Local Government on Tuesday, the Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, Dr. Abiola Idowu, represented by Dr. Daniel Olayinka, Director of Monitoring and Inspection, said the forum was organised to close the communication gap between the agency and the public, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of health regulation efforts in the state.

According to her, while the agency has maintained consistent engagement with healthcare providers, it observed that public awareness about its regulatory functions remained low, a situation HEFAMAA is now addressing through grassroots outreach.

“We brought members of the community together to explain the roles and functions of the agency, especially regarding how we protect their health in Lagos State,” Idowu said, adding that “Before we register any health facility, we ensure it meets our minimum operational standards through inspection and monitoring.”

She explained that all registered health facilities in Lagos are issued a HEFAMAA identification logo, which must be displayed within their premises, alongside a valid registration certificate from the agency.

Additionally, the Permanent Secretary said QR codes are now affixed to these facilities, allowing patients to easily verify their registration status, confirm approved services, and send direct feedback on their healthcare experience.

“We act immediately on public feedback. Our goal is not to punish but to ensure that facilities provide safe and quality healthcare to residents,” she added.

Idowu said HEFAMAA had taken disciplinary actions against facilities that failed to comply with its standards.

She cited the Lagos Executive Cardiovascular Centre in Lekki, which was demoted from a specialist hospital to a general facility after failing to meet the agency’s structural and environmental requirements.

The hospital, she said, was reinstated after relocating to a compliant environment.

“This shows that we are not vindictive. Once facilities meet our standards, in terms of environment, personnel, and equipment, they are restored.”

Idowu urged Lagosians to always confirm a facility’s registration status before receiving treatment, stressing that patronising unregistered health centres puts lives at risk.

“Whenever you want to access healthcare, look out for the HEFAMAA logo and registration certificate. Once you see these two items, you can be sure the facility has met our minimum standards,” she advised.

The event, attended by community leaders, healthcare workers, and residents, formed part of HEFAMAA’s ongoing statewide sensitisation campaign aimed at strengthening compliance and public trust in Lagos’ healthcare regulation system.