The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to ensure residents have access to safe and quality healthcare, with the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) urging citizens to report illegal or substandard health facilities in their communities.

At a sensitisation and town hall meeting in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Dr Olorunfemi Olonire, Director of Research and Statistics at HEFAMAA, emphasized the importance of community participation in healthcare regulation. He stated that the agency relies on the public’s vigilance to identify and report unregistered or unsafe health facilities, including clinics, maternity homes, and health centres.

According to Dr Olonire, HEFAMAA’s mission is to maintain minimum standards of safety, professionalism, and service quality in all health facilities across the state. The agency has been engaging residents on how to identify and verify duly registered health facilities, and it is working closely with the Ministry of Health and local councils to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all residents.

During the meeting, residents of Amuwo Odofin raised concerns about accessing affordable and safe healthcare in the state’s riverine areas. Dr Olonire assured them that these concerns would be relayed to the relevant authorities, including the Honourable Commissioner for Health and the Governor, for appropriate intervention.

The Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu, remains committed to bridging healthcare gaps and delivering quality healthcare to every resident, regardless of their location. By collaborating with the Ministry of Health and local councils, the government aims to ensure that all residents have access to safe and quality healthcare services.

The call for community participation in healthcare regulation is part of a broader effort to improve healthcare outcomes in Lagos State. By working together, the government and citizens can help identify and address healthcare challenges, ultimately leading to better health services for all residents. With the agency’s efforts and the public’s cooperation, Lagos State is taking significant steps towards achieving its goal of providing safe and quality healthcare to its citizens.