Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Edo State Healthcare Regulation and Monitoring Agency has ordered the immediate closure of Jess Royal Hospital in Benin City after discovering that the facility had been operating for more than 10 years without any form of statutory registration with the state government. The discovery was made during a routine monitoring exercise at an orphanage located in the same building as the hospital.
During the visit, EDOHERMA's Chief Executive Officer, Dr Adesuwa Urhoghide-Edigin, engaged the hospital owner and was informed that the facility was not registered with the state government. The owner reportedly told the agency that he was a member of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners. However, Urhoghide-Edigin clarified that ANPMP membership does not constitute statutory registration and does not authorise anyone to operate a healthcare facility in Edo State.
Following the discovery, the agency directed its Medical Services Department to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the facility. The inspection, led by the Director of Medical Services, Dr Peter Evbuomwan, identified several deficiencies. The operator told the inspection team that health challenges had prevented him from completing the registration process. However, EDOHERMA maintained that the facility was expected to meet all statutory requirements for continued operation since it had remained in service.
The inspection revealed poor infection prevention and control practices, cobwebs on ceilings and walls, rusted and deteriorated ward equipment, badly damaged mattresses, and no evidence of routine fumigation or pest control. The hospital was also found to have no valid and serviceable fire extinguisher, emergency preparedness plan, or established referral system. EDOHERMA said the deficiencies raised serious concerns about patient safety and the facility's ability to respond appropriately to emergencies.
Consequently, the agency directed the hospital to stop all medical operations immediately. It gave the facility two weeks to begin the official EDOHERMA registration process and correct the identified infrastructural, environmental, equipment, and health-standard deficiencies. A follow-up inspection will be conducted to determine the level of compliance. The hospital will not be allowed to resume healthcare operations until it satisfactorily meets the applicable regulatory requirements.
EDOHERMA also reminded owners and operators of private hospitals and clinics in Edo that membership of the ANPMP does not constitute government approval or authorisation to operate. The agency said statutory registration with EDOHERMA was mandatory to ensure that healthcare services are provided in appropriate environments, within approved scopes of practice, and by suitably qualified personnel.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments