COVID-19: Lagos Seals Off Lab Conducting Test Illegally

Matilda Omonaiye/

Lagos State government says it has sealed off a medical diagnostic laboratory which was conducting COVID-19 test without necessary accreditation.

The state’s health ministry disclosed this in a series of tweets on its verified Twitter handle, today.

It said officials of Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) sealed off the lab, identified as Acouns Medical Laboratory and Diagnostic Centre, located on Banana Island, Ikoyi, yesterday.

The tweets read, “Yesterday, @LSMOH through @HEFAMAA_LASG sealed a private laboratory located on Banana Island, Ikoyi for carrying out #COVID19 tests without the required government approval. The lab; Acouns Medical Laboratory and Diagnostic Centre was also situated in a pharmacy!

“Citizens are advised to desist from patronizing Health facilities not accredited by @followlasg for testing or management of #COVID19 cases as this poses danger to the community and staff of such facilities.

“It is illegal to manage COVID19 cases outside of an accredited facility. As a public, we implore you not to go for test or treatment in a private facility that has not been accredited by government. It is dangerous and you might certainly put you at risk.

“@LSMOH will continue to do its best to ensure that health facilities in the State adhere strictly to standards to guarantee the health and wellbeing of Lagosians.

“Members of the public are encouraged to cooperate fully with @followlasg to ensure the safety and health of all even as we strive to contain the spread of the pandemic.”