Health
Lagos warns residents against unregistered health facilities amid crackdown on quackery
Written By: Udo Inobeme
18 Oct 2025 04:07 AM
Ikeja, Lagos – In a renewed push to safeguard public health, the Lagos State Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has issued a strong advisory to residents, urging them to immediately stop patronizing unregistered health facilities and unqualified healthcare providers across the state.
The call comes as part of an intensified campaign against medical quackery, highlighted during a recent sensitization town hall meeting in Mushin Local Government Area.
Dr. Abiola Idowu, Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, emphasized the dangers of seeking treatment from unlicensed clinics and practitioners, which often lack proper training, equipment, and hygiene standards.
"Our message is simple: meet the required standards and register your facilities," Dr. Idowu stated at the event, which drew community leaders, health professionals, and residents.
She warned that quack operators frequently disappear after causing harm, leaving patients without recourse for redress or sanctions.
This advisory builds on HEFAMAA's aggressive enforcement actions over the past year. Agency officials revealed that 30 health facilities were sealed statewide for operating illegally or failing to comply with government regulations, including the absence of qualified personnel and inadequate infrastructure.
Earlier this year, the crackdown extended to over 100 closures since January, targeting unregistered operations in areas like Badagry and Ifako Ijaiye.
Established under the 2006 Lagos State Health Sector Reform Law, HEFAMAA is tasked with registering, monitoring, and accrediting all public and private health centers, including hospitals, clinics, maternity homes, and laboratories.
The agency conducts bi-annual inspections to enforce compliance, with a zero-tolerance policy for violations.
"We are not out to punish but to ensure Lagosians receive safe and quality care," Idowu added, represented by Director of Monitoring and Inspection, Dr. Daniel Olayinka.
To empower residents in verifying legitimate providers, HEFAMAA has rolled out a QR code system for all accredited facilities. Patients can scan these codes to access real-time details such as the facility's name, owner, address, approved services, and submit feedback or complaints directly to the agency.
The call comes as part of an intensified campaign against medical quackery, highlighted during a recent sensitization town hall meeting in Mushin Local Government Area.
Dr. Abiola Idowu, Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, emphasized the dangers of seeking treatment from unlicensed clinics and practitioners, which often lack proper training, equipment, and hygiene standards.
"Our message is simple: meet the required standards and register your facilities," Dr. Idowu stated at the event, which drew community leaders, health professionals, and residents.
She warned that quack operators frequently disappear after causing harm, leaving patients without recourse for redress or sanctions.
This advisory builds on HEFAMAA's aggressive enforcement actions over the past year. Agency officials revealed that 30 health facilities were sealed statewide for operating illegally or failing to comply with government regulations, including the absence of qualified personnel and inadequate infrastructure.
Earlier this year, the crackdown extended to over 100 closures since January, targeting unregistered operations in areas like Badagry and Ifako Ijaiye.
Established under the 2006 Lagos State Health Sector Reform Law, HEFAMAA is tasked with registering, monitoring, and accrediting all public and private health centers, including hospitals, clinics, maternity homes, and laboratories.
The agency conducts bi-annual inspections to enforce compliance, with a zero-tolerance policy for violations.
"We are not out to punish but to ensure Lagosians receive safe and quality care," Idowu added, represented by Director of Monitoring and Inspection, Dr. Daniel Olayinka.
To empower residents in verifying legitimate providers, HEFAMAA has rolled out a QR code system for all accredited facilities. Patients can scan these codes to access real-time details such as the facility's name, owner, address, approved services, and submit feedback or complaints directly to the agency.
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