Enugu Govt. Tasks Directors of Private Hospitals on Collaboration, Data Reporting, Healthcare Development
The Enugu State Government has tasked Directors of private hospitals in Enugu State on strengthening collaboration with the government by improving service data reporting and ensuring full compliance with registration requirements.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, gave the task at the weekend in Enugu during an engagement with the Guild of Medical Directors of Private Hospitals in Enugu State.
Ugwu, who spoke on the theme: “Collaboration on Healthcare Regulations and Data Reporting”, described private hospitals as “pillars of healthcare” whose daily work save lives and shapes the health system.
He emphasised that private hospitals are often the first point of care for citizens, adding that reporting of service data remained a major challenge.
The commissioner warned that incomplete data leaves private hospitals underrepresented in policy, resulting in fewer resources and weaker influence in health governance.
Ugwu also outlined Gov Peter Mbah’s vision to strengthen the health system in the state, including the on-going work on the 300-bedded International Hospital.
He revealed Gov. Mbah’s plans to position Enugu as a hub for manufacturing health products, medicines and equipment as well as ensuring both public and private hospitals have easy access to these products.
The commissioner further reiterated that all hospitals operating within the state must be fully registered and up-to-date with renewals at the State Ministry of Health.
He noted that inspections on registration and up-to-date renewal of operating license had already commenced in Enugu South council area to weed out quackery and non-registered facilities.
Speaking, Dr. Ifeoma Otiji, the State Malaria Elimination Programme Coordinator, noted that about 40 per cent of healthcare in the state is accessed through private hospitals.
Otiji said, “Service data is more than statistics; it is the evidence that guides government decisions on funding, staffing, training and infrastructure.”
She reiterated that without their data, state health statistics remained incomplete; undermining programmes such as malaria control, immunisation, tuberculosis, HIV and non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
She urged hospital directors to commit to timely and accurate reporting, saying: “Without data from the private hospitals, the state is being short-changed.”
Responding, the Chairman of the Guild of Medical Directors, Dr. Callistus Ene, assured the commissioner that they are ready to collaborate fully with the state government.
Ene said that most of their members are registered and up-to-date with renewals, and pledged that members would commit to complete and timely service data reporting, recognising its importance for policy.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen data systems, enhance collaboration and ensure that private hospitals are fully represented in shaping healthcare governance in Enugu State.