By Stanley Nwako
The Anambra State Ministry of Health has sealed several private hospitals and medical laboratories across the state for failing to renew their annual operational registrations and violating established healthcare regulations.
The enforcement exercise also uncovered alarming cases of unqualified personnel providing healthcare services. Investigations revealed that some facilities were operating with health workers who lacked valid practicing licences, while at one diagnostic centre, a sonographer carrying out ultrasound examinations on patients was found to be a student without a degree or any professional qualification.
The monitoring exercise on June 29, was led by the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, alongside officials of the Ministry of Health, as part of the efforts of the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to ensure that both public and private health facilities comply with government regulations and deliver safe, quality healthcare services.
During the inspection, the team discovered that several hospitals and laboratories were operating without valid annual registration, while others failed to meet minimum environmental and operational standards. Some facilities were also found to have healthcare personnel practicing without valid licences issued by the appropriate regulatory bodies.
Facilities sealed during the exercise included Divine Hospital and Maternity, Awka, for failing to provide evidence of renewal of its annual registration; Iykenson Medical Diagnostics Co. Ltd., where inspectors observed poor environmental sanitation in addition to expired facility registration and practicing licences; Obuekwe Dental Clinic, Awka, which could not provide evidence of registration and renewal; Balm Specialist Medical Laboratory, Awka; and Sticon Medical Laboratory, Awka, which was sealed for non-renewal of registration and operating in an environment that fell below acceptable hygiene standards.
Speaking during the exercise, the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, said the exercise was not intended to punish healthcare providers but to protect the health and lives of Anambra residents by ensuring that all health facilities operate in line with approved standards.
He stressed that annual registration is a mandatory requirement for every private healthcare facility and warned that the state government would not tolerate illegal operations or practices capable of endangering patients’ lives.
Dr. Chukwulobelu also commended healthcare facility owners and practitioners who have consistently complied with regulatory requirements. He thanked them for maintaining professional standards and urged them to sustain the culture of compliance, describing them as models for the private healthcare sector in Anambra State.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, reiterated that operating a health facility without valid registration or engaging personnel without current practicing licences constitutes a serious violation of the National Health Act and other relevant regulations. He affirmed that the Ministry of Health, under the Soludo administration, will continue to enforce compliance across both private and public healthcare facilities without compromise.
The Director of Medical Services further urged owners of hospitals, laboratories and other healthcare establishments to renew their registrations promptly, maintain clean environments and ensure that only duly qualified and licensed professionals provide healthcare services. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to sustained monitoring and enforcement aimed at improving the quality and safety of healthcare delivery across Anambra State.
