HEFAMAA Targets Improved Maternal Health Through Strict Compliance

The Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has reaffirmed its dedication to improving maternal and child health outcomes by tightening regulatory compliance across the state. At a major stakeholders’ engagement meeting held at NECA House, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, stressed that the safety of mothers and children remains a non-negotiable pillar of the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda.

​Dr. Ogunyemi highlighted that while robust healthcare laws exist, the persistent challenge remains non-compliance among some service providers. She noted that regulatory adherence ranging from proper staffing to infrastructure standards is a vital safeguard for public trust. The state government is now positioning compliance not just as a procedural hurdle, but as a life-saving mechanism to reduce preventable morbidity and mortality.

​Echoing these sentiments, the Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, Dr. Abiola Idowu, emphasized the critical role of data in modern healthcare. She urged facility operators to provide timely and accurate data rendition, which serves as the backbone for evidence-based policy formulation. According to Dr. Idowu, better data leads to better planning, which ultimately results in higher standards of care for the average Lagosian.

​The forum provided a platform for healthcare professionals, development partners, and regulators to address practical challenges, including medical waste management and facility accreditation. By fostering a "shared responsibility" model, HEFAMAA aims to bridge the gaps in service delivery that often put patients at risk. The engagement underscored the state's resolve to support facilities through capacity building rather than just punitive measures.

The session, themed “Enhancing Regulatory Compliance for Improved Maternal and Child Health Outcomes,” concluded with a call for renewed partnership. Participants deliberated on sustainable solutions to the operational hurdles faced by private clinics. The consensus was clear: through cooperation and strict adherence to set standards, Lagos can significantly elevate its status as a hub for quality healthcare in West Africa.