Three hospitals that were using phoney licences and dubious medical personnel have been shut down by the Anambra State Ministry of Health.
On Wednesday, Dr. Chukwulobelu Ugochukwu, the director of the ministry’s medical services department, led the team visited the facilities in Alor, the state’s Idemili South Local Government Area.
Residents were advised by Ugochukwu not to use such illegal institutions and instead to seek proper medical care at government public hospitals.
He continued, noting that in-patients were unaffected by the closure, that the hospitals had received penalties for hiring unlicensed medical workers.
He said, “According to Health administration, the hospitals were closed for operating without a permit, with a counterfeit licence, with unqualified employees, or in an unclean atmosphere.
“We also found some unlicensed healthcare professionals who treat patients and carry out medical procedures before leaving the country when problems emerge.
“We thus appeal to community stakeholders, religious organisations, and people to express interest in local activities, particularly health.
“They should also notify the ministry of any suspected quackery-related establishments or businesses to help save millions of lives and support the state’s health sector.”
He discussed increasingly concerning instances of unlicensed healthcare providers abandoning their patients and leaving the country when problems arise.
Ugochukwu promised constant regulatory control of hospitals in the state and questioned why anybody would put human lives at danger for financial gain.
