… Seals Over 100 Facilities for Operational Standard Offences
The Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has ramped up efforts to ensure the standardisation and compliance of health facilities across Badagry and its environs, reiterating its determination to shut down healthcare centres operating in violation of the relevant laws in the area.
Speaking during the commencement of a week-long monitoring and enforcement exercise in Badagry Local Government Area, the Executive Secretary of HEFAMAA, Dr. Abiola Idowu emphasised the Agency’s commitment to safeguarding the health of Lagos residents.
She disclosed that over 100 health facilities had been closed since the beginning of the year for infractions, including operating unregistered facilities, employing unqualified personnel, and lacking adequate infrastructure.
Dr. Idowu noted, “Standardisation is key to the delivery of safe and quality healthcare services. Our mission is to ensure that all health facilities in Lagos State, including those in Badagry, meet the prescribed standards”.
She urged health facility operators to prioritise registration and regular re-certification, warning that the agency would sustain its enforcement drive to deter breaches and protect public health.
While saying that the sensitisation and enforcement campaign in Badagry forms part of the Lagos State Government’s strategy to enhance healthcare delivery and eliminate quackery in the health sector, Dr. Idowu attributed the reduction in quackery to the agency’s various activities and its collaboration with private stakeholders to monitor health facilities across the state. She stressed that the monitoring exercise is not intended to find faults or witch-hunt but to raise standards and improve healthcare delivery.
The Permanent Secretary also led the HEFAMAA team on a visit to the Palace of the Akran of Badagry ahead of the monitoring and enforcement exercise, Dr. Idowu briefed the Akran-in-Council on the agency’s activities and sought the cooperation of the paramount ruler of the ancient town.
The HEFAMAA team was warmly received by members of the Akran-in-Council, led by White-Cap Chief Finhento of Badagry Kingdom; Chief Suru Amosu (Baale of Itoga), Chief Adeoye Sottin (Baale of Tohon)m, Chief Senu Amosu, Chief Tunde Giro (Depegan of Badagry) and Chief Viavoh Mobee (Baale of Apanuko), among others.
Speaking on behalf of the Palace, Chief Adeoye Sottin stressed the importance of maintaining healthcare standards and urged HEFAMAA to remain uncompromising in sealing facilities operating below expectations.
He commended the agency’s efforts in addressing healthcare challenges and pledged the Palace’s support for government initiatives aimed at boosting public confidence in the healthcare system.
“The Oba’s Palace is committed to complementing government efforts to instil confidence in the healthcare system. Quality delivery isn’t about showing strength but about having the right knowledge to coordinate services”, Chief Sottin remarked.
HEFAMAA paid an unscheduled visit to the state-owned Badagry General Hospital to demonstrate its commitment to the enforcement drive. The team inspected major departments, equipment, and processes, including Radiology, Dispensary, Accident and Emergency, Consulting Rooms, Pharmacy, and Kitchen.
Commenting on the inspection, the Hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Olatunde Bakare, stated that the hospital had shown significant improvement from its previous state.
He acknowledged the few areas highlighted by HEFAMAA for improvement, describing them as “low-hanging fruits” and pledged to address them within six weeks as directed by the Executive Secretary.
