In a significant move to enhance the quality and regulation of healthcare services, the Ondo State Government has directed all private health practitioners operating within the state to register and validate their facilities with the Department of Hospital Services of the Ministry of Health. This directive was announced by Dr. Adeniran Ikuomola, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Ministry of Health, during a recent meeting with executives of two private health practitioners’ associations.
Dr. Ikuomola emphasized that this step is crucial to eradicating quackery and ensuring that private health practices meet the required standards. The ministry has observed issues in the private sector over the years, prompting the need for stricter regulations. The Permanent Secretary stressed that the ministry is prepared to sanction any unregistered facilities operating within the state.
The ministry’s aim is to create a more regulated and high-quality healthcare system for the people of Ondo State. Dr. Ikuomola reiterated the need for cooperation from the associations to help moderate private health practices and ensure compliance with the new regulations. He highlighted the importance of working together to achieve Universal Health Coverage in the state.
“We want to rely on your association to help us regulate the system and collaborate with the government to ensure a healthy society,” said Dr. Ikuomola. “We are partners in progress; the government cannot do it alone. We need you to give us advice that will help us build a system beneficial to all of us.”
Dr. Ikuomola warned that the state would not tolerate any private hospitals illegally training nurses, and any facility caught engaging in such activities would face severe consequences. He also requested that the associations provide the ministry with detailed information about their personnel to ensure transparency and adherence to the new regulations.
Dr. Saliu Oyelami, Chairman of one of the private health practitioners’ associations, expressed support for the government’s initiative. He acknowledged that the regulation would help sanitize private healthcare practices in the state. Dr. Oyelami assured that their members are fully licensed and registered, and the association will work towards ensuring total compliance with the new directives.
The associations also called on the government to re-establish the College of Nursing in Akure, which would facilitate access to qualified nurses. They requested time to educate their members about the new requirements to ensure smooth implementation and compliance.
This initiative by the Ondo State Government marks a pivotal step towards improving healthcare standards and ensuring that private health facilities operate within legal and professional boundaries.
