The Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) is set to implement a policy that will regulate foreign-based medical doctors in Nigeria.
This, it said, will ensure that Foreign-Based Transient Medical Doctors (FBTMDs) are verified and approved by the Medical Dental Council of Nigerian (MDCN) before they can practice a medical profession.
Dr Yemisi Solanke-Koya, the Chairman, HEFAMAA Governing Board, disclosed yesterday at a sensitization campaign in Ikeja.
She emphasized that such approval must be submitted and duly registered with HEFAMAA before commencing the practice of medicine in the State.
According to her, the policy is to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of Lagosians and hold the facilities engaging the FTDMBs accountable.
Meanwhile, the Chairman noted that the Agency is aware that some facilities engage the FBTMDs who 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.
While warning hospitals to desist from engaging foreigners whose certificates and licenses have not been verified by MDCN and HEFAMAA, she reiterates the commitment of the Agency in ensuring that all facilities operate within the confine of the law.
“Lagos 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.”
“In addition, 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.”
