The Edo State Government has announced plans to crack down on substandard health facilities operating in the state. According to Dr. Adesuwa Urhoghide-Edigin, Chief Executive Officer of the Edo State Health Regulatory and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA), the government will fine and permanently close facilities that fail to meet stipulated health standards. This move aims to ensure that residents have access to healthcare facilities that meet approved standards.
Dr. Urhoghide-Edigin disclosed that over 20 health facilities previously sealed for non-compliance are currently taking steps to correct identified inadequacies. She emphasized that the enforcement exercise is not designed to punish health facility operators but to ensure compliance and protect patients. The EDOHERMA boss noted that some facilities were not registered with the Edo State Government, while others had obtained registration but failed to maintain the required standards.
The Edo State Government, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, is committed to ensuring that residents have access to quality healthcare. EDOHERMA, as the statutory agency responsible for regulating and monitoring healthcare standards, will continue to enforce compliance. Dr. Urhoghide-Edigin stressed that the agency is not only punitive but also supportive, encouraging facilities to upgrade and meet the required standards.
The agency is currently undertaking an enumeration and revalidation exercise of health facilities across the 18 local government areas. This exercise aims to establish the actual status and compliance level of healthcare facilities statewide. Dr. Urhoghide-Edigin warned that facilities that refuse to upgrade or persistently operate below approved standards will face permanent closure and enforcement fines.
The EDOHERMA boss noted that some health facilities operate without doctors, which cannot be considered a hospital. The agency's mandate extends beyond private hospitals and clinics to include health-related facilities such as orphanages and shelters, as well as public secondary hospitals and primary healthcare centers. The agency will identify deficiencies in public facilities and work with those responsible to address them.
Dr. Urhoghide-Edigin emphasized that regulation is necessary to ensure that standards are maintained across the board. The agency's approach is collaborative, requiring the support of healthcare operators, the public, and the media. She stressed that the ultimate objective is to protect patients and improve healthcare delivery across the state.
The Edo State Government's crackdown on substandard health facilities aims to ensure that residents receive quality healthcare. Key to this effort is the agency's categorization of facilities based on their compliance with standards. Facilities that meet the required standards will be allowed to operate, while those that do not will face closure or fines.
Key points
- The Edo State Government will fine and permanently close health facilities that fail to meet stipulated health standards.
- Over 20 previously sealed health facilities are currently taking steps to correct identified inadequacies.
- The agency's approach is collaborative, requiring the support of healthcare operators, the public, and the media.
