Quackery: Oyo seals five private healthcare facilities in Ibadan

By Emmanuel Adeleke

As part of measures to guard against quackery and poor healthcare delivery, Oyo State Government has sealed five private healthcare facilities in Ibadan.

A statement issued on Thursday by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Rotimi Babalola, said the healthcare facilities were sealed for non-compliance with regulatory standards.

He said the facilities were also found guilty of employing unqualified and unlicensed doctors, commonly referred to as quack doctors.

Speaking during an inspection at Olodo and Moniya axis of Ibadan, the Director of Secondary Healthcare and Training, Dr. Wale Falana, said the action became necessary after an extensive monitoring and evaluation of hospital facilities was carried out within the state.

“The inspection revealed alarming evidence of malpractice, misdiagnoses and inappropriate treatments being administered to unsuspected patients.

“The five healthcare facilities sealed were found to be lacking in terms of equipment, personnel, and compliance with standard medical regulations. Also, some hospitals were staffed with unqualified personnel who were practicing medicine without the required qualifications and license,” he said.

Falana, who expressed deep concern, warned hospitals not to compromise on the quality of healthcare offered to patients, stressing that the facilities will remain closed until they meet the requirements and standards set by the regulatory bodies.

“This administration underscores its commitment to ensuring that healthcare services in Oyo State adhere to the highest standards of quality and professionalism.

“The government of the day distinguished health as one of the cardinal programmes. Consequently, the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde takes the health of the people as essential, which is the reason behind the omititun free health mission held quarterly throughout the state.

“We will not tolerate any compromise in medical standards that could put lives at risk. Our action in closing these hospitals demonstrates our commitment to maintaining quality healthcare delivery within our state,” Falana added.

He urged citizens to be more cautious when seeking medical attention and reminded them to verify the qualifications and licenses of healthcare providers they visit for treatment.

Falana also encouraged citizens to report any suspected cases of quack doctors or substandard medical practices to the Ministry of Health.