By Anastasia Okechukwu
The Anambra State Government has sealed not less than three (3) different hospitals for allegedly operating without licenses, forged licences and unqualified staff.
This is disclosed in a statement by the officials of the State Ministry of Health led by Chukwulobelu Ugochukwu, the head of Medical Service Department in the Ministry, who led the activities, Punch reported.
Among the hospitals sealed, we have the facilities located in Alot, a community in Idemili South Local Government Area of the State, though others wasn’t disclosed.
“The hospitals were shut by the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Team for operating without a licence, forged licence, unqualified staff or in an unhygienic environment according to health management.
“We also discovered some uncertified health workers, who treat patients and perform medical procedures only to leave the country when complications arise,” Mr Ugochukwu stated.
Dr Ugochukwu, speaking further, described the use of uncertified health workers in some hospitals as worrisome and wondered why people risk human lives because of monetary gains.
He then urged residents of various communities, particularly community and religious leaders to monitor activities of some public institutions in their neighbourhood, especially as it concerns issues of public health.
“They should also report to the ministry any suspected facility or shops involved in quackery to assist in saving millions of lives and contributing to the health sector of the state,” he said.
He assured the residents of a continuous regulatory oversight of hospitals in the state to prevent operation of unlicensed hospitals and to also uncover health facilities working with quack health workers.