HEFAMAA Seeks Cooperation Of Badagry Residents In Enforcing Standards In Healthcare

The Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has urged residents and healthcare stakeholders in Badagry to collaborate with the Agency in ensuring that all health facilities in the area operate in line with approved standards, are staffed by qualified personnel, and are equipped with the necessary medical tools and technologies. This call was made during a sensitisation and stakeholder engagement session held in Badagry Local Government Area as part of HEFAMAA’s statewide campaign to strengthen healthcare regulation and protect the well-being of Lagos residents.

Speaking at the session, the Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, Dr. (Mrs.) Abiola Idowu represented by the Director of Research and Statistics, Dr. Olorufemi Olonire reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to improving service delivery across all healthcare facilities in Lagos State. She stressed that upholding high standards is a shared responsibility requiring the active participation of facility operators, health practitioners, and community members. According to her, HEFAMAA’s mandate, established under the 2006 Lagos State Health Sector Reform Law, is to monitor, regulate, and accredit facilities to ensure safe, effective, and quality care.

Dr. Idowu highlighted that the Agency’s approach is supportive rather than punitive, designed to guide facilities in meeting required standards. She also noted the Agency’s transition to a ully online registration and accreditation system, which has enhanced transparency, reduced delays, and strengthened compliance monitoring across the state. She added that routine and unannounced inspections are essential in ensuring continuous adherence to set guidelines, aimed at safeguarding patients rather than shutting down facilities unnecessarily.

In her presentation, Deputy Director of Nursing, Mrs. Titilope Oluwole, discussed the importance of proper registration, accreditation, and inspections in curbing quackery and ensuring accountability. She introduced the Agency’s Quick Response (QR) Code system, which allows the public to easily verify the accreditation status of health facilities and submit feedback on services received. She cautioned healthcare providers to operate strictly within their approved service scope, noting that deviations could lead to professional misconduct and compromise patient safety

Community leaders and local authorities in attendance also expressed their support. The Vice Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious or unqualified operators, pledging the council’s readiness to collaborate with HEFAMAA. The Aholu of Ajido Kingdom, HRM Oba Saheed Sedonu Adamson, emphasised the importance of community involvement in eliminating quackery and strengthening trust in the healthcare system. Participants described the engagement as timely and impactful, noting that the insights shared would significantly enhance accountability and the quality of healthcare delivery in Badagry.