The illegal hospitals sealed up by the state Hospital Monitoring Task Force in Oyo town were Wise and Pearl Hospital Limited, Akeetan-Tuntun and Living Stone Clinic and Maternity, Idi-Ose, Alaafin High School.
The coordinator of the task force, Dr. Wale Falana, who spoke shortly after the exercise, said that the move was part of the efforts of the state government to rid the state of quackery and other atrocities perpetrated by some individuals in the health sector.
Falana, who is also the Director of Secondary Healthcare, Ministry of Health, revealed that the government would continue to wage war against all forms of illegalities in private hospitals and clinics to ensure access to quality healthcare by residents in the state.
He said that the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration is passionate about the well-being of every individual, and therefore the need for private health facilities to comply with best practices and the laid-down rules by the state government.
Falana advised proprietors of unapproved health facilities in the state to get approvals from the government and do what is necessary without further delay or face sanctions.
He expressed displeasure over irregularities in the conduct of the concerned hospitals, noting that patients under their care were at high risk.
Falana urged residents of the state to be conscious of the health facilities they patronise for treatment in order to prevent unforeseen circumstances.
He said, “Quackery is a serious issue. These people are doing surgeries, some are even in training, have accommodation for trainees, and you can see the owner of one of the places visited ran away.
“This monitoring is part of efforts of the ministry of health and the government to get rid of quackery. We are going to continue, and it will be regular.
“The present administration is trying to correct the wrongs perpetrated by some people. Therefore, we appeal to medical practitioners to put their licences in their facilities.
“Residents are also advised to ask for annual practicing licences collected from the government by health facilities if they are to go to private clinics or hospitals for treatment.”
He added, “Residents can key into the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme; it doesn’t cost much and it is safe.
“There is a normal standard for opening of hospitals. They can come to the ministry of health for inquiries on this, but we don’t have room for quackery practices in Oyo State.”
The hospital monitoring team found two other private hospitals worthwhile, while the remaining two out of the six health facilities visited during the tour, were advised to work on identified issues within the shortest possible time.
