The Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has called upon Lagos residents to stay vigilant and report any illegal or substandard health facilities operating in their communities.
Speaking at a town hall meeting and sensitization event in the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Dr. Olorunfemi Olonire, the Director of Research and Statistics at HEFAMAA, who represented the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Abiola Idowu, stated that the state government is increasing its efforts to ensure that every resident of Lagos has access to safe and quality healthcare.
Olonire stressed that healthcare regulation must be viewed not just as a government responsibility but as a shared duty involving the public. He emphasized, “Community participation is vital. If you notice any clinic, maternity home, or health centre operating under unsafe conditions, don’t keep quiet, report it to HEFAMAA.”
He explained that HEFAMAA has been educating residents on how to identify and verify health facilities that are properly registered across the state, adding that the agency’s mission is to uphold minimum standards of safety, professionalism, and service quality. Olonire stated, “Our duty is to ensure that all health facilities in Lagos meet the required standards. But we also rely on the vigilance of the public. Communities must serve as our eyes and ears.”
Olonire also disclosed that residents of Amuwo Odofin raised concerns about the difficulty of accessing affordable and safe healthcare in the state’s riverine areas. He acknowledged this as a “very critical concern,” which he would relay to the Permanent Secretary, who will then brief the Commissioner for Health and ultimately the Governor for intervention. He reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s dedication to closing healthcare gaps and ensuring fair access for everyone, stating that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains committed to providing quality healthcare to every resident, whether on the mainland, the island, or in the riverine communities, and that the agency is working closely with the Ministry of Health and local councils to achieve this goal.
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