Oyo Government Seals Illegal Health Facilities, Vows to End Quackery

The Oyo State Government has sealed two private hospitals over quackery and other illegalities, during an exercise to monitor the compliance level of hospitals in the town.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, revealed that the hospitals sealed by the State Hospital Monitoring Task Force were Wise and Pearl Hospital Limited, Akeetan-Tuntun and Living Stone Clinic and Maternity, Idi – Ose, Alaafin High School, Oyo.

While speaking shortly after the exercise, the Coordinator of the task force, Dr Wale Falana, said the move was part of the efforts of the state government to get rid of quackery and other atrocities done by some individuals in the health sector.

Falana, who is also the Director of Secondary Healthcare, Ministry of Health, disclosed that the government would continue to wage war against all forms of illegalities in private hospitals and clinics to ensure residents have access to quality healthcare.

He explained that, “The Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration is passionate about the well-being of every individual, hence the need for private health facilities to comply with best practices and abide by the rules laid down by the Oyo State Government.”

Falana, who warned proprietors of health facilities in the state that were yet to get approval from the government to do what is necessary without further delay or face sactions, expressed displeasure over irregularities in the conduct of the concerned hospitals, noting that patients under their care were at high risk.

He urged residents of the state to be mindful and conscious of the health facilities they patronise for treatment, to prevent unforeseen circumstances.

Falana stated, “Quackery is a serious issue. These people are doing surgeries, some are even into training, have accommodation for trainees, and you can see that the owner of one of the places visited ran away. This monitoring is part of the efforts of the Ministry of Health and the government to get rid of quackery. We are going to continue, and it will be regularly.

“The present administration is trying to correct the wrongs perpetrated by some people. Therefore, we appeal to medical practitioners to put their licences in their facilities. Residents are also advised to ask for annual practising licenses collected from the government by health facilities, if they are to go to private clinics or hospitals for treatment,” he urged.

Falana encouraged residents to key into the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme, which he said is safe and does not cost much, urging medical practitioners who want to start private practice to go through the right channel.

He noted, “There is normal standard for opening of hospitals, they can come to the Ministry of Health for enquiries on this, but we don’t have room for quackery practices in Oyo State.”

The hospitals monitoring team found two other private hospitals worthwhile, while the remaining two out of the six health facilities visited during the tour were advised to work on identified issues within the shortest possible time.