The Anambra State Government on Wednesday sealed off three hospitals for allegedly operating under ‘false licenses and quack health workers’.
State Health Ministry officials led by Chukwulobelu Ugochukwu, head of the ministry’s Department of Medical Services, sealed off the facility located in Alor, a community in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state, Punch reported.
Mr. Ugochukwu, a doctor, warned residents not to frequent such unapproved facilities, but to visit government general hospitals for proper medical care.
The official did not reveal the name of the hospitals that were sealed.
“The hospitals were closed by the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Team for operating without a license, forged license, unqualified personnel or in an unhygienic environment in accordance with health management,” he said.
“We also discovered some uncertified health workers, who treat patients and perform medical procedures only to leave the country when complications arise,” Mr. Ugochukwu said.
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He urged residents of various communities, particularly community and religious leaders, to monitor the activities of some public institutions in their neighborhood, especially regarding public health issues.
“They must also report to the ministry any suspicious facility or shop involved in quackery to help save millions of lives and contribute to the state’s health sector,” it said.
The official called the use of uncertified healthcare workers in some hospitals worrisome and wondered why people risk human lives for monetary gain.
He said the ministry would ensure continued regulatory oversight of hospitals in the state to prevent the operation of unlicensed hospitals and also to uncover health facilities working with quack health workers.
