By LUCY OSUIZIGBO-OKECHUKWU

The Anambra State Ministry of Health, on Monday, sealed off an unregistered health facility, Vick-Benedict’s Home, at Ifitedunu in Dunukofia LGA.

The State Government also shut down facilities operated by some unauthorised Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs).

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, disclosed this during an enforcement conducted in the area, accompanied by the Director of Medical Services, Dr Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu.

Obidike said the affected facilities were operating without the required registration and approval from the ministry, thereby contravening established healthcare regulations.

According to him, the enforcement is part of the State Government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate illegal health practices and ensure quality healthcare delivery for residents.

“We have ordered the immediate sealing of Vick-Benedict’s Home and directed the operators to report at the Department of Medical Services at the Secretariat, Awka, for further clarification and regulatory action.

“We also inspected and shut down facilities operated by some TBA’s, who are allegedly practicing healthcare services without authorisation from the ministry,” Obidike said.

He reiterated Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to sanitising the health sector and ensuring that only licensed and properly regulated health facilities operate in the state.

He warned operators of unregistered hospitals, maternity homes, rehabilitation centres and TBA facilities to regularise their operations in line with government regulations or face closure and possible prosecution.

The commissioner also urged residents to seek medical attention only from registered and accredited health facilities.

He said that the government remained committed to protecting lives through strict enforcement of healthcare standards.

He gave assurance that the ministry would continue to monitor healthcare providers across the state to ensure compliance with extant laws and regulations guiding medical practice. (NAN)

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