Lagos Cautions Residents Against Using Unregistered Health Facilities

The Lagos State Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has issued a warning to residents, urging them to avoid patronising unregistered health facilities and unaccredited healthcare providers across the state.

The warning was delivered during a public sensitisation programme held at the Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Secretariat, where the agency sought to educate residents on how to identify approved healthcare providers.

Speaking on behalf of HEFAMAA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Abiola Idowu, the agency’s Deputy Director of Inspection and Monitoring, Oladuni Omitola, emphasized that only HEFAMAA-accredited facilities should be used, noting that the agency was established to address serious gaps in healthcare delivery.

“Health is wealth. We urge everyone to prioritise their well-being by visiting only government-accredited health centres,” she said.

To enhance transparency and patient safety, she introduced a digital barcode system now available in all accredited facilities, allowing patients to verify registration status, lodge complaints, and offer feedback.

Dr Idowu noted that since its inception in 2006, over 4,000 healthcare facilities have been documented in HEFAMAA’s registry. She also encouraged residents to enroll in the state’s health insurance scheme to gain easier access to medical care.

Also speaking at the event, HEFAMAA’s Director of Administration and Human Resources, AbdulAzeez Jimoh, stressed that sanctions await facilities that violate professional standards.

“Accredited facilities bear the symbol of Lagos State. If a facility fails to meet standards or performs exceptionally well, residents can scan the QR code displayed and report accordingly,” Jimoh explained.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe, quality healthcare delivery and urged the public to be vigilant and proactive when choosing healthcare providers.