The Lagos State Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has cautioned residents against the indiscriminate use of local herbal mixtures, popularly called agbo, warning that unregulated consumption poses serious health risks.
The warning was issued by the Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, Dr. Abiola Idowu, during a sensitisation campaign and town hall meeting in Somolu Local Government Area, as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to promote safe healthcare delivery across the state.
Represented by Dr. Olonire Olorunfemi, Head of Research and Statistics at the agency, Dr. Idowu expressed concern over the increasing dependence on unverified herbal concoctions, many of which contain unsafe substances that could damage vital organs if taken without professional guidance or in excessive quantities.
She emphasised that both herbal and orthodox medications should only be taken under medical supervision and in the correct dosage to prevent adverse health effects.
Dr. Idowu urged Lagosians to always seek care from approved and accredited health facilities, assuring that such centres are regularly inspected and certified by HEFAMAA to ensure compliance with established safety standards.
“We are not discouraging traditional practices,” she said. “However, we strongly advise residents to patronise only certified traditional medicine practitioners who operate within their area of expertise and comply with regulatory requirements.”
The Permanent Secretary reiterated that HEFAMAA remains committed to safeguarding public health, working with stakeholders to promote responsible healthcare practices and build confidence in Lagos State’s health system.
The Somolu sensitisation campaign follows similar exercises in Surulere and other local government areas, with plans to extend the awareness drive to additional councils.
Also speaking, Mr. Richard Olusanya, HEFAMAA’s Chief Nutrition Officer, highlighted the importance of registration and compliance, explaining that the agency — established under the Lagos State Health Sector Reform Law of 2006, was created to standardise healthcare operations and ensure only qualified practitioners manage health facilities.
He warned against the growing trend of untrained individuals operating multiple medical services, describing it as “a dangerous form of quackery that endangers lives.”
“It is non-negotiable that anyone managing a medical facility must be a registered healthcare professional,” Olusanya stressed. “We cannot allow one person to act as an eye doctor, dentist, and general practitioner at once, it puts lives at risk.”
He added that HEFAMAA conducts biannual inspections to ensure compliance and advised health facility owners to display their registration certificates prominently as proof of legitimacy and accountability.
