Anambra Cracks Down on Quack Hospitals, Orders All Approved Health Facilities to Display Accreditation Stickers

By Our Reporter

The Anambra State Government has intensified its campaign against quack medical practitioners by directing all government-approved healthcare facilities across the state to prominently display official Health Facility Accreditation Stickers, a move aimed at safeguarding public health, improving transparency and restoring confidence in the healthcare system.

The directive was announced by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, during a statewide health facility accreditation exercise conducted on July 24.

According to the commissioner, the initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to ensure that only licensed and properly regulated healthcare providers operate within Anambra State, while guaranteeing residents access to safe, quality and comprehensive medical services.

“This initiative will help eliminate quackery and ensure that only qualified and licensed healthcare providers offer medical services in the state,” Dr. Obidike stated.

Dr. Obidike explained that every healthcare facility that successfully meets the Ministry of Health’s regulatory requirements will receive an official accreditation sticker, which must be displayed in a conspicuous location where patients and visitors can easily identify it.

He noted that the accreditation sticker serves as an official seal of approval, enabling members of the public to distinguish genuine healthcare facilities from illegal or unlicensed operators who often put lives at risk through substandard medical practices.

In a major technological addition to the exercise, each accreditation sticker is embedded with a unique QR code that allows anyone with a smartphone to instantly verify the accreditation status of a healthcare facility.

The stickers also contain the official website and contact details of the Anambra State Ministry of Health, providing residents with channels to submit complaints, report suspected cases of quackery and verify the authenticity of healthcare providers.

“This is not just about regulation; it is about protecting lives,” the commissioner emphasized. “We want every resident to have confidence that whenever they walk into an accredited health facility, they are receiving care from qualified professionals operating under approved standards.”

Dr. Obidike further announced that all private hospitals, maternity homes, medical laboratories, dental clinics and other healthcare establishments operating within the state must renew both their operational licences and accreditation annually.

He stressed that only facilities that successfully satisfy the ministry’s prescribed standards during inspection will be issued the official accreditation sticker.

The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to building a healthcare system founded on professionalism, accountability and quality service delivery, describing the accreditation initiative as another milestone in the administration’s healthcare reforms.

Also speaking during the accreditation exercise, the Director of Medical Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, said the programme was designed to strengthen regulatory oversight and ensure that healthcare providers comply with established professional and legal standards before receiving government approval to operate.

“Our inspections are comprehensive and designed to ensure every accredited facility meets acceptable standards for delivering safe and quality healthcare,” Dr. Chukwulobelu said.

He disclosed that inspection teams evaluate healthcare facilities across several critical areas, including infrastructure, availability of medical equipment, staffing levels, infection prevention and control protocols, waste management systems, emergency preparedness and proper medical record-keeping.

Dr. Chukwulobelu assured residents that the Ministry would continue periodic monitoring and routine inspections to ensure accredited facilities consistently maintain the standards required for quality healthcare delivery.

The latest directive underscores the Anambra State Government’s determination to rid the healthcare sector of illegal operators while empowering residents with the tools to identify and patronize only certified healthcare providers.