The Enugu State Ministry of Health has intensified efforts to regulate health practices across the state, warning private hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies and other providers to comply with registration and licensing requirements or face sanctions.
In press briefing on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George O. Ugwu, said the move is aimed at safeguarding residents from unsafe and illegal medical practices.
“The Enugu State Ministry of Health (SMOH) has reiterated the State Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of Ndi Enugu through the effective regulation of health practices across the State,” Ugwu stated.
The Commissioner cited the Enugu State Health Sector Reform Law 2017 and the National Health Act as the legal framework guiding the regulation, registration, accreditation and monitoring of health facilities and practitioners in the state.
According to him, the law mandates that no individual or facility should operate without proper registration, licensing and periodic renewal with the Ministry, and strictly within the approved scope of services.
He noted that the law empowers the Ministry to “enforce standards, impose sanctions, and shut down facilities or practices that endanger public health.”
Rising Non-Compliance, Quackery
The Ministry expressed concern over widespread non-compliance among private health operators.
“It has been observed with grave concern that a significant number of private health practitioners and facilities operating in Enugu State have failed to comply with these statutory requirements,” Ugwu said.
He listed several infractions, including failure to register with the Ministry, refusal to pay annual renewal fees, and operating beyond approved capacity or scope.
“Some hospitals registered as 10-bed facilities are operating far beyond their approved bed capacity, some even claim to be multispecialty when they are not. Some pharmacy shops and laboratories even admit patients,” he said.
The Commissioner also decried the activities of unqualified individuals posing as medical professionals.
“Disturbingly, untrained and unqualified individuals are operating in rural communities, falsely presenting themselves as doctors or nurses and rendering illegal and dangerous health services to Ndi Enugu,” he stated.
He described the trend as “acts of quackery and unwholesome practices that pose serious risks to public safety, undermine professional standards, and erode confidence in the health system.”
Government Constitutes Regulatory Task Team
To address the situation, the Ministry announced the constitution of a Regulatory Task Team to monitor and enforce compliance across all local government areas.
“In response, the State Ministry of Health has constituted a Regulatory Task Team charged with monitoring, inspecting, and enforcing compliance with health regulations across all Local Government Areas of the State,” Ugwu said.
He stressed that “henceforth, such practices must stop,” warning that defaulters risk penalties, suspension or outright closure of their facilities in line with the law.
Directive to Private Health Providers
The Ministry directed all private hospitals, chemist shops, laboratories and related facilities to ensure immediate registration where necessary, maintain timely payment of annual renewal fees, and operate strictly within their licensed scope.
“Defaulters will be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the Enugu State Health Sector Reform Law, including the payment of appropriate penalties, suspension of operations, or closure of facilities where necessary,” Ugwu warned.
He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to protect citizens from unsafe practices and called for collaboration from stakeholders to sanitize the sector.
Stakeholders Back Crackdown
Reacting to the development, Ezema Innocent, Vice Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Enugu State chapter, described the move as necessary and timely.
He emphasized the need to sustain the fight against quackery and ensure that sealed hospitals, laboratories or pharmacies do not reopen without meeting regulatory requirements.
Similarly, Chukwumelije Anukwe, Vice Chairman and representative of the Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors of Enugu State, pledged support for the government’s action.
Anukwe urged authorities to ensure the planned task force becomes operational without delay, noting that the activities of quacks are increasing daily, not only in rural communities but also in urban centres.
Public Contact for Information
The Ministry encouraged members of the public and health sector stakeholders to provide useful information to aid enforcement efforts.
“For further enquiries, or useful information to the State Ministry of Health (SMOH) please contact: Cyril – 08037955742,” the statement added.
The government reiterated its commitment to building a health system anchored on quality, safety and accountability across Enugu State.
