Private hospitals, others get ultimatum on licences

THE Ekiti State government has given proprietors of private hospitals, pharmaceutical premises, patient medicine stores, faith-based homes and traditional medicine centres in the state up till October 15, 2012 to register and renew their operational licences or have their

premises sealed off.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Olusola Fasubaa, who made this known while chatting with newsmen in Ado Ekiti, expressed dismay that most private medicine centres were either not properly registered, or failed to renew their licences as and when due.

Fasubaa disclosed that a task force has been put in place for proper inspection of premises for medical practice in the state, adding that the unit would ensure that only premises with standard facilities would be allowed to handle something as sensitive as the health of the people.

On renewal of licences for the year 2013, he stressed that payment must be made on or before January 31, 2013 and directed all affected medical practitioners to contact the state Ministry of Health for an update on their registration.

Fasubaa, who reiterated the commitment of the Fayemi’s

administration to the provision of a vibrant health sector in the state, warned that there would be no sacred cow in the drive to ensure that private medical centres in the state are up to desired standard.