HEFAMAA Rallies Community Support to Curb Medical Quackery in Epe

  The Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has intensified its campaign against medical quackery by mobilising community support in Epe, calling on residents to actively safeguard healthcare standards within their neighbourhoods. Speaking at a stakeholders’ sensitisation forum held in Epe, the Agency emphasised that eliminating illegal and unprofessional health practices requires collective action. Regulators alone, it noted, cannot win the fight without strong collaboration from community members. The Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, Dr. Abiola Idowu, represented by the Director of Monitoring and Inspection, Dr. Olayinka Daniel, described the engagement as part of the Agency’s strategic move to bring regulatory activities closer to the grassroots. She stated that while HEFAMAA routinely conducts monitoring, inspection and accreditation of health facilities across the State, public participation remains critical in identifying unregistered operators and discouraging patronage of substandard establishments. According to her, medical quackery poses severe risks to public health, often resulting in avoidable complications, permanent damage, and even loss of lives. She urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious facilities operating within their communities. As part of efforts to strengthen transparency and boost public confidence, Dr. Idowu unveiled newly introduced compliance tools, including a QR code verification system and an official accreditation logo to be displayed by approved facilities. The QR code allows residents to confirm the registration status of any health facility in real time, empowering them to make informed healthcare decisions. She reiterated that only duly accredited facilities are permitted to operate in Lagos State, warning that patronising unregistered providers exposes individuals and families to significant health dangers. In his remarks, the Vice Chairman of Epe Local Government, Sikiru Owolomose, commended HEFAMAA for engaging directly with the people at the community level. He assured residents of the local council’s continued collaboration with the Agency to enhance awareness and strengthen monitoring efforts. The sensitisation programme in Epe forms part of a statewide advocacy initiative that will extend to all local government councils across Lagos State. Through this sustained outreach, HEFAMAA reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance against medical quackery and regulatory violations, while promoting safe, ethical, and professional healthcare delivery for all residents. Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA)