Edo steps up regulation, seals 108 health facilities for unethical practices

The Edo State Government said it has sealed off over 108 health facilities for various unprofessional practices in the state.

Samuel Alli, state commissioner for Health, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Benin City.

Alli said the affected facilities were sealed off for unsafe medical practices and failing several quality assurance checks, thereby endangering the lives of millions of Edo people, saying that it was part of plans to step up regulation of the State’s health sector.

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He said the sealed facilities employed quacks, practised unsafe abortion, and used expired medicines, among other unethical medical practices.

The commissioner gave the breakdown of the facilities to include 33 medical laboratories, 10 hospitals, 11 nursing homes, 26 community pharmacies and 28 patent medicine stores.

“When I resumed office in June 2023, part of my charge was to regulate the medical practice in Edo State. This regulation includes registration of all providers of healthcare and ensuring adherence to acceptable medical standards.

“The scope covers hospitals, clinics and medical centres, community pharmacies and patent medicine stores, dental hospitals and clinics, eye hospitals/centres and clinics.

“Physiotherapy centres, nursing homes, diagnostic centres, medical laboratories, maternities, mortuaries, funeral homes, embalmment centres and traditional and alternative medicine practitioners.

“The following are reasons for which these facilities were sealed, unregistered facilities; unsafe medical practices; practicing beyond approved scope and use of unqualified personnel.

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“We have found several unsafe practices which constitute danger to the people of Edo State. Such practices like unsafe abortion, use of expired medicines, improper waste disposal, unclean and improper environment, and ill-equipped theatres, will no longer be tolerated,” he said.