In an effort to regulate private healthcare facilities, the Delta State government took action on Wednesday by closing down 18 facilities across the state.
Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, the Delta State Commissioner for Health, revealed this during a monitoring and inspection visit conducted by health ministry officials to various private healthcare facilities in the state. Dr. Onojaeme emphasized that private healthcare facilities must be registered with the ministry as mandated by the Private Healthcare Facilities Law of May 2019.
The sealed facilities were found to be in violation of the law regarding registration and operational standards for private healthcare facilities in the state. Dr. Onojaeme emphasized the ongoing nature of the exercise, with more unannounced visits planned to assess other registered facilities for compliance with annual renewal fees.
The sealed premises were found to be operating without proper registration, failing to pay annual renewal fees, and employing or training auxiliary nurses, among other infractions. Dr. Onojaeme urged all private healthcare facilities in the state to ensure compliance with registration requirements and encouraged residents to report any facilities suspected of engaging in unethical practices.
The monitored facilities included hospitals, clinics, maternity homes, laboratories, eye clinics, and traditional birth attendant homes. Dr. Onojaeme highlighted the penalties for non-compliance, which include imprisonment for up to one year or fines of up to N5 million.
