Enugu Sets Up Task Team To Address Irregularities In Health Facilities

Enugu State government has set up a multidisciplinary Regulatory Task Team to curb deaths, substandard and illegal activities in health facilities.

The commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, who disclosed this at a press briefing yesterday in Enugu, said the team is charged with monitoring, inspecting and enforcing compliance with health regulations in all the state’s 17 local government areas.

He said the state government, through the Ministry of Health, has an unwavering commitment to the health and safety of the residents by effectively regulating health practices across the state.

The commissioner said that the team would be working with the enabling powers of the Enugu State Health Sector Reform Law 2017, N.7, section 235 and the National Health Act.

He observed with grave concern that a significant number of private health practitioners and facilities operating in Enugu State had failed to comply with procedural and operational safety standards and statutory requirements.

He said, “In particular, many private health facilities have not registered with the Enugu State Ministry of Health.

Some facilities that are registered have refused or failed to pay their annual renewal fees regularly, in clear violation of the Law.

“Several facilities are operating beyond the scope of services for which they were registered.

“For example, some hospitals registered as 10-bed facilities are operating far beyond their approved bed capacity, some even claim to be multispecialty when they are not.”

He noted the disturbing trend of untrained and unqualified individuals operating in rural communities, falsely presenting themselves as doctors or nurses and rendering illegal and dangerous health services to the people.

“The ministry views these developments as acts of quackery and unwholesome practices that pose serious risks to public safety, undermine professional standards and erode confidence in the health system.

“The ministry is urging all stakeholders in the health sector — including professional bodies, facility owners, community leaders and the general public — to assist the government in reducing sub-standard and illegal practices in some private health facilities.

“Collective vigilance and cooperation are essential to sanitising the health sector and protecting the lives of Enugu residents,” he said.

Ugwu directed all private hospitals, chemist shops, medical laboratories, and other health facilities operating in the state to ensure immediate registration with the ministry, where applicable, and to maintain regular and timely payment of annual renewal fees.

“Defaulters will be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the Enugu State Health Sector Reform Law, including the payment of appropriate penalties, suspension of operations, or closure of facilities where necessary.

“For further enquiries, or useful information to the State Ministry of Health, please contact: Cyril – 08037955742,” he added.

Responding, the Vice Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Mr Innocent Ezema, and the Vice Chairman, Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors, Enugu State, Mr Chukwumerije Anuluw, gave their associations’ full support to the task team.