The Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, HEFAMAA, has disclosed that a total of 103 health facilities across the State were sealed in the year 2020 for non-compliance with regulatory standards.
The Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr. Abiola Idowu, who disclosed this on Friday during a virtual meeting with the staff of the Agency, however, stated that some of the facilities had been reopened having corrected the infractions and pledged to abide by the set standards.
“The facilities were shut down for infractions ranging from quackery, operating beyond schedule, lack of qualified medical personnel to non-registration of facilities and lack of basic equipment. Although, many of the facilities were reopened because they have corrected the infractions but a few others will remain sealed until they do the right thing”, she stated.
While emphasising the commitment of the State Government to sustaining the fight against quackery and unprofessional conduct in the system, Dr. Idowu observed that the recent validation of the five-year strategic plan for the Agency will go a long way in improving the quality of healthcare delivery to Lagosians, through efficient and effective monitoring of health facilities in the State.
The Executive Secretary urged members of Staff to redouble their efforts in ensuring quality service delivery to customers and the public, revealing that the Agency has already deployed the use of the Health Facility Inspection Tool, Health FIT, to enhance effective and efficient inspection and monitoring of health facilities in the State.
Idowu warned that the State government will not tolerate any form of illegal health practices and urged all facility operators to abide strictly by the set standards to avoid sanction.
She also advised new facilities to register with the Agency before starting operations to protect the health of the people, adding that existing registered operators should ensure prompt renewal of their certificates to avoid penalties.
The HEFAMAA boss urged the public 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 reaffirmed the commitment of the Agency in supporting the vision of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration to provide accessible, affordable and quality healthcare to the residents.