The Enugu State Ministry of Health (SMOH) has reiterated the State Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of Ndi Enugu through the effective regulation of health practices across the State.

*BACKGROUND:*
The Enugu State Health Sector Reform Law 2017, N. 7 section 235 and the National Health Act provide the legal framework for the regulation, registration, accreditation, and monitoring of all health facilities and practitioners operating within the State. The Law mandates that no person or health facility shall operate within the State without due registration, licensing, and periodic renewal with the State Ministry of Health, and strictly within the approved scope of services.The Law further empowers the Ministry to enforce standards, impose sanctions, and shut down facilities or practices that endanger public health.

*CURRENT OBSERVATIONS:*
It has been observed with grave concern that a significant number of private health practitioners and facilities operating in Enugu State have failed to comply with these statutory requirements.
In particular: Many private health facilities have not registered with the Enugu State Ministry of Health. Some facilities that are registered have refused or failed to pay their annual renewal fees regularly, in clear violation of the Law. Several facilities are operating beyond the scope of services for which they were registered. For example, some hospitals registered as 10-bed facilities are operating far beyond their approved bed capacity, some even claim to be multispecialty when they are not. Some pharmacy shop and laboratory even admit patients. Disturbingly, untrained and unqualified individuals are operating in rural communities, falsely presenting themselves as doctors or nurses and rendering illegal and dangerous health services to Ndi Enugu. The Ministry views these developments as acts of quackery and unwholesome practices that pose serious risks to public safety, undermine professional standards, and erode confidence in the health system.

*GOVERNMENT ACTION:*
It is with deep concern that the Enugu State Ministry of Health has noted the prevalence of these substandard and illegal practices in some private health facilities. Henceforth, such practices must stop. In response, the State Ministry of Health has constituted a Regulatory Task Team charged with monitoring, inspecting, and enforcing compliance with health regulations across all Local Government Areas of the State. The Task Team will ensure strict adherence to registration requirements, approved scope of practice, and operational standards. Furthermore, the management of the Ministry is urging all stakeholders in the health sector — including professional bodies, facility owners, community leaders, and the general public — to assist the Government in reducing substandard and illegal practices in some private health facilities. Collective vigilance and cooperation are essential to sanitizing the health sector and protecting the lives of Ndi Enugu.

*ADVISORY TO PRIVATE HEALTH PROVIDERS:*
The Ministry hereby directs all private hospitals, chemist shops, medical laboratories, and other health facilities operating in Enugu State to:

• *Ensure immediate registration with the Enugu State Ministry of Health, where applicable.*
• *Maintain regular and timely payment of annual renewal fees.*
• *Operate strictly within the scope of services for which they are registered and licensed.*
• *Defaulters will be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the Enugu State Health Sector Reform Law, including the payment of appropriate penalties, suspension of operations, or closure of facilities where necessary.*

The Enugu State Government remains resolute in its commitment to protecting citizens from unsafe, illegal, and unethical health practices, and calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in building a health system that prioritizes quality, safety, and accountability.

For further enquiries, or useful information to the State Ministry of Health (SMOH) please contact: Cyril – 08037955742

Signed:
*Prof. George O. Ugwu*
*Hon. Commissioner for Health, Enugu State*