The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has shut 16 health facilities across the state for non-compliance with regulatory standards.
This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), Abiola Idowu, while reviewing the activities of the agency for the month of September and October, 2020.
She explained that out of 280 health facilities monitored in the months under review, 16 facilities were shut for infractions, ranging from quackery, operating beyond schedule, lack of qualified medical personnel to non-registration of facilities, training of auxiliary nurses and lack of basic equipment.
Idowu noted that the Sanwo-Olu administration would not tolerate any unprofessional practice, which could compromise the health and the well-being of patients and undermine the huge investment of the state government in qualitative healthcare delivery.
READ ALSO:
We’re Determined to Pass PIB in Six Months, Says Gbajabiamila
She added that any facility owner or operator found perpetrating any of these acts would be prosecuted accordingly and the facility sealed.
“These unethical practices could compromise the health status of patients and undermine the huge investment of the government in qualitative healthcare delivery.
“Hence, any healthcare facility owner or operator found perpetrating any of these acts will be prosecuted accordingly and the facility sealed,” idowu said.
While clarifying that health facilities earlier sealed could be reopened after all standards and instructions have been observed and approval granted by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, the Executive Secretary noted that 14 facilities were reopened in the two months under review after complying with the set standards.
READ ALSO:
‘Emergency Security Meeting Deter Presidency from Attending South South Meeting’ – Presidency
She maintained that the agency would continue to insist that the environment for the delivery of healthcare services should be suitable for the promotion and maintenance of good health.
Idowu urged health facility operators to abide strictly by all stipulated standards to avoid being sanctioned, adding that they should also complete their online registration or renewal using the HEFAMAA e-portal, collect the agency’s logo and display it at a conspicuous position in the premises where visible to members of the public.
Disclosing that the agency attended to eight petitions from members of the public in the month of October, the Executive Secretary advised the people to be vigilant and patronise only government-accredited health facilities with the agency’s logo or proof of registration, advising the public to report those behind illegal operations for prompt action.
Idowu hinted that the agency recently held a stakeholders’ session to develop a five-year strategic plan, which according to her, would point the way forward in policy formulation for the agency in the next few years.
READ ALSO:
You Left Our Party for APC Because of Personal Reasons, PDP Replies Umahi
According to her, “Some of the key areas we are focusing on include leveraging technology to provide efficient services, training and retraining of HEFAMAA staff and facility operators, increasing community participation and health education as well as increasing our engagements with stakeholders and the general public.
“It is our belief that the strategic plan will go a long way in addressing most of the issues raised by stakeholders and the general public as well as provide the agency with the opportunity to achieve the vision of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration in safeguarding the health and the well-being of the citizens.”
Idowu Sowunmi
