No fewer than 30 health facilities across the State were sealed in the months of July and August, 2020 by the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, HEFAMAA, for non-compliance with regulatory standards.

The Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr. Abiola Idowu, who disclosed this today at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, explained that the facilities were shut down for infractions ranging from quackery, operating beyond schedule, lack of qualified medical personnel, non-registration of facilities and lack of basic equipment.

Idowu, however, stated that five other facilities were reopened in the month of July 2020 for having complied with the set standards, stressing that sealed facilities can later be reopened after all standards and instructions have been effected and approval for reopening granted by the Honourable Commissioner for Health.

She affirmed that the government is committed to battling quackery and putting a halt to the ugly trend of having unqualified personnel work in health facilities, adding that the Agency will continue to insist that the environment for the delivery of medical care is suitable for the promotion and maintenance of good health.

The Executive Secretary, therefore, urged all health facility operators to abide strictly by the set standards to avoid being sanctioned, saying that “The State Government will not tolerate any form of illegal health practices in the State because such acts could jeopardise people’s health and safety”.

She encouraged members of the public to continue cooperating and supporting the State government in its fight against quackery and illegal operation of facilities by reporting those behind such acts to the Agency in a bid to safeguard the health and well-being of the citizenry.

While advising the populace to be cautious and desist from patronising any health care provider without its logo or proof of registration, Idowu tasked owners and operators of health facilities in the State to ensure they complete their registration with the Agency, collect the official logo and display it at a conspicuous position in their facilities.