Lagos Has Zero-tolerance for Quackery- HEFAMAA Boss: Shuts Down 18 Facilities in Two Months

With Aholu of Ajara Agamathen Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Agano Toniyon I

The Executive Secretary, Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, (HEFAMAA), Dr. Abiola Idowu has reiterated the State Government’s zero-tolerance for quackery to safeguard the health of the citizenry.

Idowu who made the disclosure today at a sensitization campaign organized by the Agency to educate residents of Badagry division on the roles and responsibilities of HEFAMAA also stated that the Agency shutdown 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.”

She 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 she said could impact negatively on the health of the citizens.

She 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.”

She 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.

The Executive Secretary 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.

She revealed that the campaign also aimed at sensitizing the public on the need to expose quacks in the system even as she noted that the exercise offered an opportunity to inform owners and operators of health facilities on the need to register them 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 centre, motor parks and markets in the division.

Ayokunle Uthman

Head, Public Affairs

27^th July 2021