HEFAMAA officials conduct awareness campaign in Badagry, warning that medical quackery remains a threat to public health

The Lagos State Government has increased enforcement against unlicensed hospitals and clinics, calling on residents across the state to report suspected quack health facilities and patronise only those accredited by the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA). The renewed crackdown was announced during a sensitisation campaign in Badagry on Wednesday, where officials warned that medical quackery poses serious risks to public safety.

The Executive Secretary of HEFAMAA, Victoria Egunjobi, represented by the agency’s Director of Monitoring and Inspection, Olayinka Daniel, said the fight against illegal healthcare practices cannot be won by government alone. She urged residents to look out for the official HEFAMAA accreditation logo before receiving treatment at any hospital or clinic. “The essence of this programme is to enlighten residents of Badagry on the responsibilities of HEFAMAA, which include monitoring, inspection, accreditation and licensing of health facilities,” Egunjobi stated. She added that only qualified healthcare providers are permitted to operate under Section 63 of the Lagos State Health Sector Reform Law.

HEFAMAA officials visited several locations in Badagry and Ojo LGAs—including primary health centres, traditional palaces, markets and motor parks—distributing informational materials about the dangers of patronising unlicensed operators. Community stakeholders were also engaged directly as part of efforts to ensure grassroots awareness. According to Egunjobi, “One life lost due to quackery is one too many.” She further called on traditional rulers, market associations, artisans and religious leaders to support the campaign against illegal medical practice.

Medical quackery has been a persistent problem in Lagos State, with reports of deaths resulting from treatment by unqualified practitioners. The government says enforcing licensing laws is vital to protecting lives and improving standards in both public and private healthcare sectors. Residents are encouraged to report any facility operating without proper accreditation for immediate investigation by authorities.

HEFAMAA maintains that only facilities displaying its official logo have been inspected and approved as safe for public use. “Ensure that you patronise only health facilities displaying the HEFAMAA logo,” Egunjobi advised during her address. She stressed that collective vigilance from communities remains key to rooting out illegal operators across Lagos.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/lagos-ramps-up-crackdown-on-unlicensed-hospitals-urges-residents-to-report-quack-clinics-2026061909470228290