Lagos shuts down 18 health facilities

An agency of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, (HEFAMAA) has shut down 18 health facilities for quackery and substandard practices.

The Executive Secretary, Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, HEFAMAA, Dr Abiola Idowu during a sensitization and awareness campaign organised by the agency for residents in Badagry on Tuesday reiterated the State Government’s zero-tolerance for quackery to safeguard the health of the citizenry.

The campaign, Idowu stated is to educate residents of the Badagry division on the roles and responsibilities of HEFAMAA, adding that the Agency shut down 18 health facilities in May and June 2021 for non-compliance with regulatory standards.

While explaining the reasons for shutting down the facilities, a director in the Agency, Dr Godswill Iboma who represented the Executive Secretary said, “They were sealed for infractions ranging from quackery to lack of qualified medical personnel and non-registration of facilities.”

He warned quacks in the field who parade themselves as experts to desist from such practices adding that the administration of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has zero-tolerance for quackery and unethical conduct which he said could impact negatively on the health of the citizens.

He stated that the Agency which was established by the Health Sector Reform Law of 2006 has the mandate to set the required minimum standards for the operations of public and private health facilities in the State “as well as accredit, inspect, monitor and license all health facilities.”

He further explained that on matters relating to the registration, inspection and supervision of private and public hospitals in the state, the Agency advises the Health Commissioner adding that it also enforces compliance with the provisions of the law as well as ensuring the authenticity of credentials of facilities personnel.

Iboma urged the residents to continue supporting the government in its fight against quackery and illegal operation of health facilities by reporting people behind such acts to the Agency to safeguard the health and well-being of the citizens.

He revealed that the campaign also aimed at sensitizing the public on the need to expose quacks in the system even as he noted that the exercise offered an opportunity to inform owners and operators of health facilities on the need to register their facilities with the Agency to avoid being sanctioned.

In his response, the Aholu of Ajara Agamathen Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Agano Toniyon I commended the administration of the Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu for his efforts in improving the quality of healthcare delivery in the State adding that he and his chiefs will cooperate with the Agency to expose quacks in the division.

The team also visited the Akran of Badagry as well as Ijanikin healthcare centres, motor parks and markets in the division. (Nigerian Tribune)