Lagos seals off ‘unauthorised’ COVID-19 test centre

The Lagos state government has sealed off a private medical laboratory for allegedly conducting COVID-19 tests without approval.

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.

It said the laboratory situated in a pharmacy was sealed off on Friday for violating COVID-19 guidelines.

The ministry warned residents to desist from patronising unaccredited facilities for COVID-19 tests and management.

It added 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 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.

“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.”

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! @followlasg pic.twitter.com/KkMzxYDBFq

— LSMOH (@LSMOH) July 11, 2020

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 (@LSMOH) July 11, 2020

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.

— LSMOH (@LSMOH) July 11, 2020

As of Friday, Lagos recorded 12,051 cases of COVID-19, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease and Control (NCDC).