The Niger State Private Health Facilities Agency (NiSPHFA) has shut down 15 private health facilities and arrested a man allegedly posing as a medical doctor during an enforcement operation in Suleja Local Government Area of the state.
The Executive Chairman of NiSPHFA, Dr. Abdullahi Suleiman, disclosed this on Saturday during an inspection of selected private health facilities in Suleja following a regulatory exercise carried out by the agency’s task force.
According to Suleiman, the operation was prompted by intelligence reports and routine inspections aimed at sanitising the healthcare sector and safeguarding residents from unsafe and illegal medical practices.
He revealed that the agency sealed Ellamara Specialist Hospital after discovering that a suspect was allegedly providing medical services without the required qualifications, professional registration, and valid practising licence.
Suleiman said the agency would not tolerate the employment of unqualified personnel in healthcare facilities, warning that any action capable of endangering patients’ lives would attract strict sanctions.
“The affected facility has been sealed pending the conclusion of investigations, while the suspect has been handed over to security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution,” he stated.
The NiSPHFA chairman further disclosed that a total of 15 private health facilities were shut down during the exercise for various regulatory violations, including failure to meet operational standards and non-compliance with licensing requirements.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious healthcare activities to the relevant authorities, stressing that community participation is essential in combating quackery and ensuring quality healthcare delivery.
Suleiman reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening oversight of private healthcare establishments across the state, noting that only qualified and licensed professionals would be allowed to provide medical services.
He added that the agency would continue to intensify monitoring and enforcement activities to ensure compliance with established healthcare regulations and protect the health and safety of residents.
The enforcement exercise forms part of ongoing efforts by the Niger State Government to improve standards in the healthcare sector and eliminate illegal medical practices.
NAN