The Lagos State Government through the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has shut down Vedic Lifecare Hospital located in Lekki for engaging the services of unlicensed expatriates. The Executive Secretary of the Lagos agency, Dr. Abiola Idowu, who made the announcement of the closure in her office in Alausa, Ikeja, revealed that the hospital located at Plot 6, Olabanji Olajide Street, Lekki, was sealed for engaging expatriate staff who have not been certified to practice locally. Dr. Idowu, who disclosed that the closure of the hospital does not affect the in-patients already admitted, also said the agency received information that some facilities are engaging foreign-based transient medical doctors (FBTMD) who come into the state, stay for a period of time to provide medical care to patients and perform medical procedures before returning to their respective countries.
She said the hospital engaged three foreign doctors and a nurse with unverified certificates and without licenses from any professional body.
Also speaking on the development, chairperson of HEFAMAA’s governing board, Yemisi Solanke-Koya, said the practice raises concerns regarding the regulatory oversight of healthcare in the state.
Solanke-Koya warned hospitals in Lagos to desist from using foreigners whose certificates and licenses have not been verified by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
