Lagos Cracks Down on Health Facility Quackery with New Codes

To combat medical fraud and ensure high-quality healthcare for residents, the Lagos State Government has implemented a QR code system in both public and private healthcare centers throughout the state.

This effort, spearheaded by the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, seeks to enhance openness, advance patient safety, and enable residents of Lagos to check whether medical facilities in the state are accredited before deciding where to seek care.

The Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, Dr. Abiola Idowu, made the announcement during the formal launch of the pilot stage. She explained that the newly placed QR code stickers found at healthcare centers can be read with any mobile phone equipped with scanning capability, providing key details regarding each location offering medical care services.

She disclosed that information available via the QR codes comprised the center's name, registration ID, license expiration status, address, telephone number, classification, approved service offerings, and designated contacts' names.

The Public Service announced that individuals can access the service evaluation scores and provide their comments directly through HEFAMAA.

She remarked, "This advancement represents a major breakthrough in our commitment to maintaining top-tier healthcare services across Lagos."

Through the digital publication of essential information, we make one thing abundantly clear: operations within this state are permitted solely for registered and certified establishments.

The organization emphasized that this action formed part of its broader initiative to eliminate unlawful activities and immoral conduct, especially within unauthorized private facilities exceeding their permitted scope.

"We are strengthening our strict stance against fraud and unethical behavior," she emphasized.

Idowu reassured the public that HEFAMAA continues to be dedicated to protecting public health by implementing strong oversight, enforcing regulations, and utilizing digital solutions that improve transparency within the industry.

She further urged residents to take advantage of the feedback function available through the QR system to notify authorities about any questionable or unsatisfactory activities.

"This goes beyond technology—it's about equipping Lagos residents with the tools to safeguard their health and ensure medical service providers remain responsible," she explained.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).