HEFAMAA Commences Investigation Into the Death of a Female Patient: Pledges to Impose Sanctions Appropriately.

Chairman, HEFAMAA Governing Board, Dr Yemisi Solanke Koya.

The Chairman, Governing Board, Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, (HEFAMAA), Dr. Yemisi Solanke Koya has disclosed that the Agency on Friday, commenced investigations into the death of a female patient at Cynosure Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Clinics.

The facility located at 7, Okunola Aina Street, Mende, Maryland, Lagos was alleged by one Miss Posha in a tweet on 1st June 2022 to have performed surgery on her friend which she reported led to her friend’s death as a result of bleeding.

Dr. Solanke Koya explained that upon receipt of the allegations the Agency immediately commenced a full investigation into the death adding that sanctions will be imposed where infractions of the HEFAMAA’s laws and policies are substantiated.

“HEFAMAA is aware of the death of the patient, we regret the loss and offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends. Let me assure you that we are taking this matter very seriously. We have commenced our investigation and we will not hesitate to impose sanctions where infractions of HEFAMAA’s laws and policies are substantiated,” she pledged.

The Chairman warned that if any criminal activity is discovered during the course of the investigation, “we will explore criminal prosecution,” she stated.

She reiterated the commitment of the Agency to pursue its policy on the Foreign-Based Transient Medical Doctors (FBTMDs) while lamenting that the doctors are still being retained by some health facilities in the State to see patients with no regulatory oversight despite HEFAMAA’s policy on FBTMDs published on the Agency’s website at hefamaa.lagosstate.gov.ng.

She however emphasized that the State Government has zero-tolerance for facilities engaging in this practice of helicopter specialists even as she warned that the Agency shall bring the exacting weight of the law to bear on violators for the protection of Lagosians.

While sympathizing with the family and friends of the deceased, the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr. Abiola Idowu, assured the public that the outcome of the ongoing investigation into the death will be communicated in due course.

Muyideen Ayokunle Uthman (Mr.)

Head, Public Affairs

HEFAMAA

Saturday, 4th June , 2022