NAFDAC Warning About Fake Hospitals and Maternity Centres on Social Media: What Nigerians Should Know
Social media has become an important place for businesses to advertise their services, connect with customers and reach audiences beyond their immediate communities. Healthcare is no exception, with some providers using platforms such as TikTok and Instagram to promote medical services and attract patients.
However, a professional-looking social media page does not automatically prove that a healthcare facility is properly licensed, appropriately staffed or equipped to provide safe treatment.
Your supplied report describes concerns about allegedly unregistered hospitals and maternity centres being promoted online, including references to facilities advertised under names such as “Aish Hospital”. It also attributes a warning to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The specific warning and allegations in the notes have not been independently confirmed here. Before publication, the original notice should be checked, along with the identity of the relevant regulator. NAFDAC regulates medicines and related products, while the licensing of healthcare facilities involves the appropriate health authorities and regulatory bodies.
How Nigerians Can Check a Hospital or Maternity Centre
Patients should not select a healthcare facility solely because an influencer recommends it or a video receives thousands of views.
Before booking an appointment, prospective patients can take several precautions.
First, confirm the facility’s full name and physical address. Check whether its registration or licence can be verified through the relevant state health authority or other appropriate regulator.
Second, ask about the qualifications of the professionals who will provide treatment. For maternity services, patients should understand who will manage antenatal appointments, delivery and possible emergencies.
Third, be cautious of advertisements promising extraordinary medical results, discouraging patients from seeking independent advice or using pressure tactics to secure immediate payment.
Patients should also verify contact information through reliable channels rather than depending exclusively on a social media direct message.
Why Maternity Services Require Particular Care
Pregnancy and childbirth can involve unexpected complications that require trained professionals, appropriate equipment and access to emergency care.
A facility offering maternity services should be able to explain its arrangements for managing emergencies and referring patients when additional treatment is required.
A discount, free consultation or popular online testimonial should not replace these checks. Patients should also be careful about sharing medical records, identification documents or sensitive personal information with unverified accounts.
The Role of Social Media Influencers in Healthcare Advertising
Influencers can help people discover useful services, but their personal endorsements are not the same as regulatory approval.
Someone promoting a clinic may not have independently checked its licence, staffing or clinical standards. Followers should therefore distinguish between a personal recommendation and verifiable evidence of professional accreditation.
Regulators, health authorities, healthcare professionals and social media platforms all have roles to play in addressing misleading medical advertisements. Members of the public can also help by reporting suspicious claims to the appropriate authority instead of treating online popularity as proof of legitimacy.
For Nigerians searching for hospitals, maternity centres and other healthcare services, the central lesson is straightforward: verify the facility, check the relevant credentials and seek qualified medical advice before making important healthcare decisions.
