The Anambra State Government has shut down 54 health facilities across the state over medical quackery, substandard practices, and regulatory violations.
This marks a decisive move to protect patient safety and strengthen healthcare quality in line with global best practices.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidik disclosed this recently in Awka while briefing journalists on recent reforms in the health sector and the performance of the Anambra State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (ASEMSAS).
According to Obidike, the closures were carried out between January 2023 and December 2025 as part of a comprehensive effort to sanitise the health system, curb unlicensed medical practice, and reduce preventable deaths linked to unsafe care. He noted that 15 of the sealed facilities were later reopened after meeting statutory requirements and achieving full regulatory compliance.
“Between 2023 and 2025, we sealed 54 facilities due to quackery and reopened 15 after total compliance,” he said.
Health experts have consistently warned that medical quackery contributes significantly to avoidable morbidity and mortality in low – and middle-income countries, particularly through misdiagnosis, unsafe procedures, and delayed referral.
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Obidike said the Anambra government’s enforcement drive is aimed at ensuring that only licensed, properly equipped, and professionally staffed facilities are allowed to operate.
He explained that the crackdown aligns with Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s health-sector reform agenda, which prioritises patient safety, quality assurance, and universal access to timely emergency care.
“Our goal is to build a health system that people can trust one that meets acceptable national and international standards and puts the lives of citizens first,” the commissioner said.
Obidike highlighted significant improvements in emergency medical response following the official launch of ASEMSAS on May 11, 2023.
The system operates toll-free emergency lines—112, 5111, and 0800 220 0008—supported by real-time ambulance tracking technology designed to shorten response times and improve coordination.
“Without a functional emergency response link, every other health intervention is incomplete
“Wherever you are in Anambra State, once you call, help will come.” He said.
He disclosed that the state now operates over 60 functional ambulances covering all 21 local government areas, a major expansion from the 10 ambulances available at the programme’s inception.
An additional 40 ambulances have been registered under the emergency response framework, with further scale-up planned.
To address access gaps in underserved areas, ASEMSAS has also deployed tricycle ambulances under the Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transportation (RESMAT) initiative to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths in hard-to-reach communities.
Seven boat ambulances are currently serving riverine areas, ensuring emergency coverage for populations previously cut off from rapid medical assistance.
Obidike said emergency transportation under ASEMSAS is entirely free, while medical care within the first 24 hours is provided at no cost for patients who are unable to pay, an intervention designed to remove financial barriers during critical, life-threatening situations.