The Niger State Private Health Facilities Agency has arrested a man accused of posing as a medical doctor and shut down 15 private health facilities during an enforcement operation in Suleja Local Government Area.
Sanitising the Healthcare Sector
The agency stated that the exercise was part of efforts to sanitise the healthcare sector, enforce regulatory standards, and protect residents from unsafe medical practices. Speaking after an inspection of selected facilities on Saturday, the agency’s Executive Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Suleiman, said the operation was carried out following intelligence reports and routine compliance checks.
Ellamara Specialist Hospital Sealed
According to Suleiman, Ellamara Specialist Hospital was sealed after inspectors discovered that a suspect was allegedly providing medical services without the required qualifications, professional registration, or a valid practising licence. Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect, who reportedly dropped out of medical school, had allegedly worked as a medical doctor in Suleja for about six years.
“The suspect was also said to have been disengaged by a former employer over issues relating to his credentials and had allegedly been arrested in Cross River State in the past for a similar offence,” Suleiman said.
He added that the suspect had been handed over to security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution, while the affected hospital would remain sealed pending the outcome of investigations.
Commitment to Healthcare Standards
Suleiman said the crackdown forms part of the agency’s commitment to ensuring strict compliance with healthcare standards and safeguarding public health. He warned owners of private health facilities against employing unqualified personnel, stressing that the agency would not tolerate actions capable of endangering patients’ lives.
The chairman disclosed that 15 private health facilities were shut during the operation for various regulatory infractions, including failure to meet operational standards and non-compliance with licensing requirements. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious healthcare practices to relevant authorities.
Suleiman also reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to strengthen oversight of private healthcare establishments and ensure that only qualified professionals provide medical services across the state.
