The Anambra State Ministry of Health has sealed a health facility identified as Vick-Benedict’s Home over alleged contravention of medical practice regulations.
The facility was shut down after officials confirmed it had been operating without proper registration and approval from the state health authorities, a breach in healthcare directives, in an enforcement which also extended to several facilities run by unauthorised Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), which were similarly closed for operating against medical laws.
The officials inspected several unlicensed health points before ordering immediate closure of the affected premises, stating that the operators of the sealed facility have been directed to report to the Department of Medical Services at the State Secretariat in Awka for further administrative and regulatory action.
The Commissioner for Health, Afam Obidike, disclosed this during a monitoring and enforcement exercise carried out on Monday alongside the Director of Medical Services, Dr Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, at Ifitedunu community in dunukofia local government, stating that the crackdown was part of ongoing efforts to sanitise the health sector and rid the state of quackery.
He added that Governor Chukwuma Soludo remains committed to strengthening healthcare delivery and eliminating illegal medical operations across the state, warning that owners of unregistered hospitals, maternity homes, rehabilitation centres, and TBA outlets must regularise their operations or risk enforcement actions, including closure and possible prosecution.
The commissioner also urged residents to patronise only approved and accredited health facilities, stressing that the government will continue routine surveillance to ensure compliance with medical standards.
The Ministry of Health said the exercise would be sustained across communities in Anambra State as part of efforts to protect public health and ensure that only qualified and licensed practitioners deliver medical services.