Ogun state seals 10 health facilities over non-accreditation, quackery

On Nov 8, 2023

The Ogun State government has shut down over 10 health facilities for quackery and non-compliance with other regulatory standards.

The state’s Ministry of Health, alongside other stakeholders in the health sector embarked on an exercise tagged, “Operation Stingray” to mop out quack health workers and facilities across the state.

The team led by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, includes members from the Nigerian Medical Association, Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners, nurses in private practice and other stakeholders.

The state commissioner for health said, the government embarked on the mop up exercise to safeguards lives of Ogun citizens.

Coker revealed that the ministry has received several complaints about quack health personnel operating in some facilities which had led to serious complications and life threatening conditions.

She added that some facilities were sealed because they were unlicensed or failed to complete revalidation, adding that some operate beyond the facility’s registered scope of practice.

She added, “We felt a need to go out because increasingly the Ministry received complaints about quack health personal operating on them leading to serious complications and life-threatening conditions.

“We felt it was imperative we safeguard the lives of Ogun citizens.

“We plan to continue the operation which we tagged “Operation Stingray” across the entire state at regular intervals.

“The quacks must know that there is no hiding place for them in Ogun State.

“The legitimate facilities including laboratories, diagnostic centres, clinics and hospitals are to register or revalidate their facilities with the Ministry of Health.”