The Enugu State Government has established a multidisciplinary Regulatory Task Team to address deaths, substandard services, and illegal activities in health facilities across the state, including those in remote locations.
The Commissioner for Health, George Ugwu, disclosed this during a press briefing on Tuesday in Enugu.
He said the task team is charged with monitoring, inspecting, and enforcing compliance with health regulations in all 17 local government areas of the state.
Ugwu emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of residents through effective regulation of health practices.
The team will operate under the powers granted by the Enugu State Health Sector Reform Law 2017 (Section 235, N.7) and the National Health Act.
The commissioner raised concerns about private health practitioners and facilities failing to comply with operational and safety standards.
He highlighted issues such as:
Unregistered health facilities operating without ministry approval.
Registered facilities failing to pay annual renewal fees.
Facilities operating beyond their approved scope, such as 10-bed hospitals claiming multispecialty services.
Unqualified individuals presenting themselves as doctors or nurses in rural communities.
Ugwu described these practices as quackery that endangers public safety, undermines professional standards, and erodes confidence in the health system.
He urged all stakeholders — including professional bodies, facility owners, community leaders, and the public — to support efforts to reduce substandard and illegal operations.
The commissioner directed all private hospitals, chemist shops, medical laboratories, and other health facilities to register immediately with the ministry and maintain timely payment of renewal fees.
Defaulters will face sanctions under the Health Sector Reform Law, including penalties, suspension, or closure of facilities.
For inquiries or to provide information to the State Ministry of Health, citizens can contact Cyril at 08037955742.
Expressing support for the initiative, the Vice Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Mr Innocent Ezema, and the Vice Chairman of the Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors, Mr Chukwumerije Anuluw, pledged full backing for the task team.
