HEFAMAA sensitieses Mushin residents on quality healthcare
The Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has urged Mushin residents and the general members of society to report any public or private healthcare facilities operating without proper licenses, employing unqualified personnel, training auxiliary nurses, using substandard medical equipment, or maintaining unhygienic environments.
This call was made on Thursday during a Sensitisation Campaign and Town Hall Meeting on “The Roles and Responsibilities of HEFAMAA in Lagos State”, held at the Mushin Local Government Secretariat.
Addressing Mushin residents during the event, the Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, Dr. Abiola Idowu, represented by Dr. Olonire Olufemi, Head of Research and Statistics, HEFAMAA, reiterated the agency’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that all health facilities in Lagos deliver safe and quality healthcare services to residents.
The Permanent Secretary explained that the visit to Mushin was in continuation of HEFAMAA’s ongoing public engagement strategy to deepen awareness of its mandate and foster accountability in Lagos State’s healthcare delivery system.
She said: “Whether it is a private or government-owned health facility within your community, it is the responsibility of HEFAMAA to ensure that such facilities provide quality and safe healthcare services to the public.”
Dr. Idowu further emphasised the need for community participation, urging residents to promptly report any facility that falls short of regulatory standards.
According to her, the agency has introduced a QR Code Reporting System, which allows the public to submit complaints easily.
“Once you visit a health facility approved by the HEFAMAA, you will find a QR code displayed at the reception or within the premises. By scanning the code with your Android phone, you can submit feedback or complaints directly to HEFAMAA. This platform was created to ensure transparency and improve access to quality healthcare across all accredited facilities,” she explained.
In his goodwill message at the event, the Executive Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon. Tunbosun Haruna Aruwe, commended HEFAMAA for its proactive efforts in safeguarding public health.
He pledged his administration’s support in taking the Sensitisation Campaign to the grassroots to ensure greater public awareness.
In his words: “We appreciate HEFAMAA for bringing this vital awareness campaign to our community. Mushin residents will continue to enjoy access to quality and affordable healthcare services as we partner with the agency to strengthen compliance and eliminate quackery.”
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Richard Olusanya, Chief Nutrition Officer at HEFAMAA, provided insights into the agency’s core functions and regulatory framework.
He explained that HEFAMAA, established under the Lagos State Health Sector Reform Law of 2006, is mandated to monitor and accredit both public and private health facilities across the state, ensuring compliance with approved medical, environmental, and staffing standards.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that only qualified professionals manage health facilities. Every hospital must be overseen by a licensed medical doctor or nurse; unqualified individuals cannot be allowed to treat patients,” he stressed.
He noted that HEFAMAA conducts biannual inspections of health facilities and issues operating certificates only to those that meet the required standards.
Olusanya also highlighted the agency’s QR Code Verification System, which enables residents to confirm a facility’s authenticity, ownership details, and location, as well as provide real-time feedback.
He encouraged participants to spread the message within their communities, emphasising that public cooperation is key to eliminating quackery and improving confidence in the healthcare system.
