HEFAMAA INTENSIFIES WAR AGAINST QUACKERY AMONG HEALTH FACILITIES IN ETI-OSA
The Lagos State Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has intensified its campaign against quackery and unlicensed medical practice with a renewed sensitisation drive and town hall meeting held in Eti-Osa Local Government Area.
The Town Hall Meeting was organised in collaboration with the World Bank and the Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) project.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, Dr. Abiola Idowu, represented by Mrs. Oladunni Omonike, Deputy Director, Health Education, reiterated the Agency’s determination to safeguard public health through continuous monitoring, accreditation, and regulation of health facilities across Lagos State.
“HEFAMAA was established in 2006 under the Health Sector Reform Law to ensure that all health facilities operate within approved guidelines, are properly staffed, and deliver quality care,” she said. “Our aim is not to close down facilities unnecessarily but to protect Lagosians from unsafe and unethical practices.”
Dr. Idowu explained that the town hall meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders while dispelling misconceptions about the Agency’s activities, noting that constructive engagement remains vital to achieving safer, more transparent healthcare delivery across the state.
Dr. Idowu reaffirmed HEFAMAA’s commitment to sustaining partnerships with local stakeholders in Eti-Osa and beyond, ensuring that every Lagos resident has access to safe, efficient, and ethical healthcare services.
“We will continue to promote transparency, accountability, and excellence in the health sector as we work towards a safer and healthier Lagos,” she concluded.
In his presentation, Mr. Richard Olusanya, Chief Nutrition Officer at HEFAMAA, underscored the necessity for all health facilities operating in Lagos to be duly registered and regularly inspected.
He disclosed that the Agency has rolled out a Quick Response (QR) Code verification system for registered health facilities, allowing residents to confirm their accreditation status in real time using their mobile devices.
“This innovation enhances accountability and empowers the public to make informed choices about where to receive care,” Olusanya said.
Also speaking, Dr. Job Lawson, Chairman of the State Monitoring Committee (SMC), called for stronger collaboration between HEFAMAA and faith-based organisations to curb the growing menace of unqualified individuals offering medical treatment under the guise of spiritual healing.
“We have seen cases where avoidable harm occurs because people seek help from unlicensed practitioners. Religious leaders must partner with us by directing ailing members to accredited healthcare facilities,” he urged.
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