Lagos warns hospitals against employing non-certified foreign health workers

The Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has disclosed that it is set to begin the implementation of the policy that will ensure that Foreign-Based Transient Medical Doctors (FBTMDs) are verified and approved by the Medical Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) before they can practice medical profession in the state to safeguard the health of the citizens. The agency warned hospitals in the state to desist from engaging foreigners whose certificates and licenses have not been verified by MDCN and HEFAMAA.

The Chairman, HEFAMAA Governing Board, Dr. Yemisi Solanke-Koya, who stated this at a town hall meeting and a sensitisation campaign held yesterday in Ikeja division on the roles and responsibilities of the agency, emphasized that such approval must be submitted and duly registered with HEFAMAA prior to commencing the practice of medicine in the state to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of Lagosians and hold the facilities engaging the FTDMBs accountable.

She stated that the agency is aware that some facilities engage the FBTMDs who come into the state to provide medical care to patients and perform medical procedures without verified certificates and licenses from professional bodies adding that they later return to their respective countries.

The Chairman reiterated the commitment of the agency in ensuring that all facilities operate within the confine of the law.

She said: “The state government is ever committed to ensuring that only those who are qualified and registered by Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria will be allowed to practice the medical profession in Lagos State.

“The Government has approved the Agency’s request to investigate and determine if medical practitioners from abroad have the prerequisite experience to practice in Lagos.”

She noted that the town hall meeting, which also had online participation, is significant in intimating the residents on the roles and responsibilities of HEFAMAA and drawing their attention to the need to patronize only health facilities that have been registered by it for quality service delivery and, to direct their grievances to the Agency through its various channels.

Earlier on, the Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Abiola Idowu, who made a presentation on the roles and responsibilities of the agency, disclosed that the campaign has earlier been held in other IBILE local government areas including Ikorodu, Badagry, Lagos Island and Epe adding that it will go a long way in curbing quackery and unprofessional conducts in the State healthcare system.

The Executive Secretary, while highlighting the roles of the Agency said that it sets the required minimum standards for the operation of health facilities both in the public and private health sector; registers, inspects and monitors all health facilities in the state as well as advises the Commissioner on all matters relating to the registration, inspection and supervision of private and public hospitals in the state amongst other functions.