Lagos HEFAMAA warns residents against unregistered health facilities, urging them to verify clinics via barcode for safe and quality healthcare

Lagos HEFAMAA has warned residents to stop patronising unregistered health facilities and unlicensed healthcare providers across the state, stressing that such actions endanger lives and undermine public health.

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The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, Dr Abiola Idowu, issued the warning on Friday during a sensitisation programme at the Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Secretariat.

Represented by the Deputy Director of HEFAMAA’s Inspection and Monitoring Unit, Oladuni Omitola, Idowu said the government had identified major lapses in healthcare delivery, which led to the creation of the agency to ensure standardisation and patient safety.

“Health is wealth. We want you to prioritise your health and visit only government-accredited health facilities,” she said. “The Lagos State Government cares deeply for its people, which is why we are urging everyone to use only HEFAMAA-accredited health centres.”

She disclosed that the agency had introduced a barcode verification system to help residents confirm the registration status of hospitals and clinics before receiving treatment.

According to her, the barcode can also be used to submit complaints or commendations about the quality of service rendered at any health facility.

Since HEFAMAA began operations in 2006, over 4,000 healthcare facilities have been registered and captured in its monitoring database.

Idowu also encouraged residents to enrol in the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme to enjoy unhindered access to quality and affordable medical care.

In his remarks, the agency’s Director of Administration and Human Resources, AbdulAzeez Jimoh, warned that facilities that fail to comply with state standards would face strict penalties.

“Accredited facilities carrying the HEFAMAA symbol represent the Lagos State Government. If you visit any hospital and notice malpractice, scan the QR code to report it. You can also commend facilities performing well,” Jimoh said.

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The agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that only safe, reliable, and properly monitored medical centres operate within the state.