By Aduragbemi Omiyale
About five hospitals and healthcare facilities have been sealed in Oyo State by government officials for employing unlicensed doctors and engaging in acts that could put the lives of patients at risk.
The private health facilities were shut down in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Rotimi Babalola.
He said the affected facilities were sealed by the Director for Secondary Healthcare and Training in the state, Dr Wale Falana, during an inspection at Olodo and Moniya axis of Ibadan.
The action became necessary after extensive monitoring and evaluation of hospital facilities within the state as part of measures towards protecting the health and well-being of residents.
The hospitals failed to comply with regulatory standards, employed unqualified and unlicensed doctors and were involved in misdiagnosis, the statement said.
“The inspection revealed alarming evidence of malpractice, misdiagnoses and inappropriate treatments being administered to unsuspected patients,” he said.
“Also, some hospitals were staffed with unqualified personnel who were practising medicine without the required qualifications and license,” he added.
Dr Falana warned hospitals not to compromise on the quality of healthcare offered to patients, stressing that the facilities will remain closed until they meet the requirements and standards set by the regulatory bodies.
“This administration underscores its commitment to ensuring that health care services in the Oyo State adhere to the highest standards of quality and professionalism.”
“The government of the day distinguished health as one of the cardinal programmes and takes the health of the people as essential, which is the reason behind the Omititun Free Health mission held quarterly throughout the state.
“We will not tolerate any compromise in medical standards that could put lives at risk. Our action in closing these hospitals demonstrates our commitment to maintaining quality healthcare delivery within our state,” he remarked.
The medical practitioner added further that the state government had urged citizens to be more cautious when seeking medical attention and reminded them to verify the qualifications and licenses of healthcare providers they visit for treatment, encouraging citizens to report any suspected cases of quack doctors or substandard medical practices to the Ministry of Health.
“This will enable the government to take swift action and ensure that the healthcare system in Oyo State remains trustworthy, reliable, and patient-centric,” he said.
Adedapo Adesanya