ANAMBRA INTRODUCES QR CODE STICKER TO HELP RESIDENTS IDENTIFY LICENSED HEALTH FACILITIES

By Ezenwa Anastasia Nkiruka

The Anambra State Government has introduced a QR code enabled sticker system to help residents verify the authenticity of licensed health facilities, as part of efforts to curb quackery and strengthen healthcare regulation in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, unveiled the initiative on July 24 during a statewide accreditation exercise, describing it as a practical step towards protecting residents from unlicensed healthcare providers.

Obidike said all hospitals, maternity homes, dental clinics, diagnostic laboratories and other private health facilities are required to renew their operating licences and accreditation annually before receiving the official sticker.

He said the sticker, which must be displayed conspicuously at accredited facilities, bears a unique QR code that members of the public can scan with a mobile phone to instantly verify a facility’s licensing status.

According to him, the sticker also contains the contact details of the Ministry of Health to enable residents report suspected cases of quackery or other regulatory violations.

The Director of Medical Services, Dr Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, said accreditation teams evaluate facilities based on infrastructure, availability of medical equipment, adequacy of personnel, infection prevention and control measures, waste management practices, emergency preparedness and record keeping.

Chukwulobelu said the exercise was not a one off process, adding that the ministry would conduct routine monitoring and follow up inspections to ensure continued compliance with established standards.

Obidike said the initiative aligns with the healthcare reform agenda of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, which is aimed at promoting professionalism, accountability and quality healthcare delivery across the state.

He added that inspection teams had commenced visits to health facilities in Awka, issuing QR code stickers to those that successfully renewed their operating licences for the 2026 accreditation year.

Ezenwa Anastasia Nkiruka is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State