HEFAMAA Tasks Public, Private Health Facilities on Clean Environment

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

The Lagos State Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has urged Surulere residents and the general public to report any public or private healthcare facilities operating in unhygienic environments to the agency.

According to a statement by the Head, Public Affairs Unit,

HEFAMAA, Rahmat Alabi, this call was made during the Sensitisation Campaign and Town Hall Meeting on “The Roles and Responsibilities of HEFAMAA in Lagos State”, held at the Surulere Local Government Secretariat.

HEFAMAA also wants members of the public to report to it public and private health facilities operating  without government approval, engaging unqualified personnel, training auxiliary nurses, and using substandard medical equipment.

While addressing Surulere residents, during the sensitisation event, the Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, Dr. Abiola Idowu, represented by Dr. Olonire Olufemi, Head of Research and Statistics, reaffirmed the agency’s strong commitment to ensuring that all health facilities in Lagos provide safe and quality healthcare services to residents.

“Our officers have provided residents with vital information on how to identify and access registered health facilities in Lagos State,” she said.

Dr. Abiola further emphasised that HEFAMAA, as an agency of the Lagos State Government, is mandated to regulate the operations of all public and private health facilities across the State.

“From the first to the third quarter of 2025, the Agency has shut down and sealed about 43 health facilities that failed to comply with our operational standards,” she revealed.

She called on residents to collaborate with the Agency by reporting any health facilities suspected to be operating illegally, offering substandard services, or posing potential risks to public health and safety.

“HEFAMAA is here for everyone,” Dr. Abiola concluded. “Our goal is to ensure that all Lagos residents have access to safe, quality, and reliable healthcare services.”

I’m his part, Chief Marufudeen Bolaji Alimi, the Baba Oloja of Ikate, who represented His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulatef Atanda Abiodun Adams, the Onikate of Ikate, Surulere, at the event, commended the Lagos State Government for the initiative.

He expressed his appreciation for the programme, describing it as a timely and impactful effort to address malpractice in the health sector.

“I would first of all thank the Lagos State Government for bringing this programme,” Oba Adams said.

“This initiative has enlightened many of us about the importance of HEFAMAA’s role in regulating hospitals and clinics. With this awareness, residents can now easily report illegal or unsafe medical practices.”

He further encouraged residents to take full advantage of the Agency’s presence in their communities.

“I urge all residents in Lagos State to make use of this opportunity by patronising government-recognised clinics, laboratories, and hospitals, so we do not fall into the hands of unqualified practitioners. I thank the Lagos State Government and the initiators of this program, and I pray Almighty God continues to bless them,” he added.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Richard Olusanya emphasised the importance of health facility registration and the use of QR codes for easy verification.

He noted that HEFAMAA, established in 2006 under the Lagos State Health Sector Reform Law, is mandated to regulate, monitor, and ensure quality service delivery across both public and private health facilities in the state.

Olusanya explained that HEFAMAA’s primary goal is to safeguard public health by ensuring that all hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and maternity homes operate under approved standards. The agency assesses facilities based on equipment, personnel, and environmental standards before issuing licenses to operate.

He, however, clarified that HEFAMAA is not a law enforcement agency but a regulatory body ensuring compliance and quality improvement.

Olusanya also introduced the QR Code initiative, which allows members of the public to verify registered facilities and report malpractice by scanning the code displayed at health centers.