By Stanley Nwako
The Anambra State Ministry of Health has commenced the re-accreditation of private hospitals and other health facilities across the state, while introducing annual registration and accreditation stickers to strengthen healthcare regulation and protect patients.
The initiative, under the leadership of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Ben Obidike, is aimed at ensuring that private health facilities meet required professional and safety standards and remain properly regulated.
The Director of Medical Services in the Ministry, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, disclosed this during an interactive meeting with members of the Association of Nigeria Private Medical Practitioners, Anambra State Branch, at Crispan Hotel, Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area.
Chukwulobelu said the re-accreditation exercise would help the Ministry identify and verify private hospitals and other health facilities operating in the state, update its records and ensure compliance with approved regulatory standards.
He explained that the Ministry had introduced the Annual Health Facility Registration and Accreditation Sticker as a simple way for members of the public to know whether a health facility has met the required registration and accreditation conditions.
According to him, the sticker will carry a QR code which residents can scan to verify the registration and accreditation status of a facility through the Ministry's designated digital platform. He said the system would promote transparency and increase public confidence in healthcare services.
Chukwulobelu said the Ministry had earlier provided a grace period for health facility owners and operators to complete their registration, renewal and accreditation processes. He noted that the grace period ended in September 2026, after which enforcement of the requirement for valid approval stickers commenced.
He warned that facilities operating without the required registration, accreditation or valid approval sticker would face appropriate regulatory action, which may include sealing in line with government regulations. He, however, stressed that the Ministry's approach was based on partnership, engagement and protection of patients.
The Director urged health facility owners with outstanding compliance requirements to visit the Department of Medical Services at the Anambra State Ministry of Health, Awka, for guidance and regularisation. He also appealed to members of the public to look for the official sticker and use the QR code to verify the status of facilities where necessary.
Chukwulobelu called for the continued cooperation of private healthcare providers and residents, saying the initiative was aimed at building a safer, more accountable and trusted healthcare system in Anambra State, while supporting the efforts of the Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo administration to improve healthcare delivery.
