Lagos Residents Warned Against Patronising Unregistered Health Facilities — HEFAMAA

The Lagos State Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has cautioned residents to avoid seeking medical care from unregistered or unaccredited health facilities across the state.

The Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, Dr. Abiola Idowu, issued the warning on Friday during a sensitisation programme held at the Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Secretariat, aimed at educating residents on the agency’s regulatory roles and health safety measures.

Represented by the Deputy Director of the Inspection and Monitoring Unit, Mrs. Oladuni Omitola, Dr. Idowu said the Lagos State Government established HEFAMAA to address lapses in healthcare delivery and ensure that only qualified professionals and facilities provide medical services to the public.

“Health is wealth. We must make it a priority to visit only government-accredited hospitals and clinics. The Lagos State Government cares deeply about its citizens, which is why we insist that only HEFAMAA-accredited facilities should be patronised,” she stated.

She further revealed that the agency has introduced a barcode verification system to help residents confirm whether a healthcare facility is duly registered. The barcode can also be used to file complaints or offer feedback on the quality of services rendered.

Since its inception in 2006, HEFAMAA has registered and captured over 4,000 health facilities in its database, as part of efforts to enhance healthcare standards and accountability. Dr. Idowu also encouraged residents to enrol in the state’s health insurance scheme to gain seamless access to medical care.

In his contribution, the Director of Administration and Human Resources at HEFAMAA, Mr. AbdulAzeez Jimoh, noted that penalties have been established for any facility found violating standard medical practices.

“Accredited facilities carrying our symbol are representatives of the Lagos State Government. If any such facility fails to meet required standards, residents can scan the QR code to report it. Likewise, when they perform well, you can also commend them through the same platform,” he said.