Enugu Seals 4 Illegal Private Hospitals, Warns Against Unsafe Medical Practices
The Enugu State Ministry of Health has sealed four illegal private hospitals in Enugu South Local Government Area, warning against unsafe medical practices within the state.
The on-the-spot monitoring, conducted under the leadership of the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, was carried out by a team of directors from the Ministry, led by the Director of Medical Services, Dr Chinyere Ezeudu.
Speaking on the development on Monday in Enugu, Ugwu reiterated the commitment of Enugu State Government under the leadership of Gov. Peter Mbah to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of residents.
The commissioner noted that the state government was doing the health safeguard through effective regulation, quality assurance and strict monitoring of healthcare facilities across the state.
He emphasised that the government would not tolerate illegal medical operations, professional misconduct or any practice that compromises patient safety.
Ugwu further warned private healthcare operators to ensure that their facilities are duly registered, appropriately licensed and operated within the scope of their approved services.
“The ministry will sustain its monitoring and enforcement exercises to ensure that only qualified and authorised healthcare providers deliver services to the people of Enugu State,” he said.
The ministry team visited about 12 private health facilities to assess their operational standards, verify their registration status and ensure compliance with established healthcare regulations and professional guidelines in the council area.
Describing the situation as unacceptable and a serious threat to public health, the team lead, Director of Medical Services, Dr Chinyere Ezeudu, expressed disappointment over the flagrant disregard for healthcare regulations and professional standards.
Ezeudu said that consequently, the affected facilities were sealed and directed to immediately discontinue their operations.
She said that the enforcement action was necessary to protect residents from substandard healthcare services, unqualified medical practices and other activities capable of endangering human lives.
