By Gbadamosi Oladimeji
The Lagos State Ministry of Health, on Saturday, shut down the operations of a private medical laboratory situated in Banana Island for allegedly conducting COVID-19 tests without approval.
Earlier this year, in a bid to curtail the spread of coronavirus, the state government had warned hospitals and laboratories against conducting COVID-19 tests without approval from the ministry of health.
In a tweet on Saturday, the state’s ministry identified the medical facility as Acouns Medical Laboratory and Diagnostic Centre located in Ikoyi.
Report has it that, the laboratory situated in a pharmacy was sealed off on Friday for violating COVID-19 guidelines.
In addition, the Health ministry warned residents to desist from patronising unaccredited facilities for COVID-19 tests and management, adding that such an action poses danger to citizens’ health.
“Yesterday, the Lagos State Ministry of Health, through Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, sealed a private laboratory located on Banana Island, Ikoyi for carrying out COVID-19 tests without the required government approval,” the tweet read.
“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 Lagos State government for testing or management of COVID-19 cases as this poses danger to the community and staff of such facilities.
“It is illegal to manage COVID-19 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 yourself at risk.
“Lagos State Ministry of Health 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 Lagos State government to ensure the safety and health of all even as we strive to contain the spread of the pandemic.”
