The Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, HEFAMAA, has urged Lagos residents to remain alert and report illegal or substandard health facilities operating in their communities.

Speaking at a sensitisation and town hall meeting in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Dr Olorunfemi Olonire, Director of Research and Statistics at HEFAMAA, who represented the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Abiola Idowu, said the state government is intensifying efforts to ensure every Lagos resident has access to safe and quality healthcare.

Olonire emphasised that healthcare regulation should not be seen as the sole responsibility of government but as a shared duty between authorities and the public.

“We are here to remind our people that healthcare regulation is not the responsibility of the government alone.

“Community participation is vital. If you notice any clinic, maternity home, or health centre operating under unsafe conditions, don’t keep quiet, report it to HEFAMAA,” he stated.

He explained that the agency has been engaging residents on how to identify and verify duly registered health facilities across the state, adding that HEFAMAA’s mission is to maintain minimum standards of safety, professionalism, and service quality.

“Our duty is to ensure that all health facilities in Lagos meet the required standards. But we also rely on the vigilance of the public. Communities must serve as our eyes and ears,” Olonire said.

Olonire also revealed that residents of Amuwo Odofin had raised concerns about the challenges of accessing affordable and safe healthcare in the state’s riverine areas.

“A very critical concern was raised about the situation in the riverine communities. We have taken note of this and will relay it to the Permanent Secretary, who will brief the Honourable Commissioner for Health and, ultimately, the Governor for appropriate intervention,” he explained.

He reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to bridging healthcare gaps and ensuring equitable access for all residents.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains committed to delivering quality healthcare to every Lagos resident, on the mainland, the island, and in the riverine communities.

“We are working closely with the Ministry of Health and local councils to make this a reality,” Olonire added.