The Lagos State Government has intensified its crackdown on unlicensed hospitals and medical quacks, urging residents to seek treatment only at healthcare facilities that display the official HEFAMAA accreditation logo. The Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) is leading a public sensitisation campaign to educate communities on identifying and reporting illegal operators.
HEFAMAA Campaign in Badagry
During a sensitisation campaign in Badagry, HEFAMAA Executive Secretary Victoria Egunjobi, represented by Director of Monitoring and Inspection Olayinka Daniel, called on residents to help combat medical quackery. She emphasised that the fight requires support from communities, traditional institutions, and residents.
Importance of HEFAMAA Accreditation
Egunjobi advised Lagosians to use only facilities displaying the HEFAMAA logo, which confirms that a hospital or clinic has been inspected, approved, and licensed by the state government. The campaign aimed to educate residents on HEFAMAA's responsibilities, including monitoring, inspection, accreditation, and licensing of healthcare facilities under Section 63 of the Lagos State Health Sector Reform Law.
“The essence of this programme is to enlighten residents of Badagry on the responsibilities of HEFAMAA, which include monitoring, inspection, accreditation and licensing of health facilities. This is aimed at ensuring that only qualified healthcare providers, in line with the provisions of Section 63 of the Lagos State Health Sector Reform Law, are allowed to operate in the state,” she said.
Threat of Medical Quackery
Egunjobi described medical quackery as a serious threat to public health, warning that lives continue to be lost due to unqualified practitioners. “One life lost due to quackery is one too many,” she said. She called on traditional rulers, market associations, artisans, religious groups, youth organisations, and healthcare professionals to support the government's campaign.
Community Engagement
HEFAMAA officials visited several locations in Badagry and Ojo, including the Primary Health Centre in Ijanikin, Lagos Health District V Office, Badagry Local Government Secretariat, Badagry General Hospital, Badagry Market, Badagry Roundabout Motor Park, the palace of the traditional ruler of Badagry, and the Lagos State University campus in Ojo. Residents were educated on identifying accredited facilities, and informational materials were distributed.
Call to Action
“Ensure that you patronise only health facilities displaying the HEFAMAA logo. If you notice any facility operating without the logo, do not hesitate to report it. See something, say something, so that together we can win the battle against quackery,” Egunjobi added.
The regulatory crackdown aims to enforce Section 63 of the Lagos State Health Sector Reform Law, ensuring only verified, qualified medical professionals handle patient care. HEFAMAA is the state agency responsible for regulating public and private healthcare facilities. The latest campaign forms part of broader efforts to strengthen healthcare regulation, improve patient safety, and ensure access to quality healthcare services. The renewed crackdown comes amid ongoing concerns over fake hospitals, unregistered clinics, and unqualified medical practitioners, which pose significant risks to public health.
