The Niger State Private Health Facilities Agency (NiSPHFA) has re-sealed the Foundation Clinic in Mokwa Local Government Area of the state. The agency said the action followed an inspection which established that the facility failed to meet the minimum standards required for operation. This is contained in a statement by Muhammad Abubakar, Public Relations Officer of the agency, on Saturday in Minna.
He said that the agency conducted an inspection following concerns over the quality of services being offered at the facility. Abubakar said that the clinic was earlier shut on the directives of the Local Government Health Committee over concerns about its operations.
He said subsequent inspections showed that although a qualified medical doctor was available, the clinic still lacked essential equipment and other requirements to operate as a secondary healthcare facility. The spokesman said that findings also revealed inadequate staffing, and the engagement of unqualified personnel to provide services beyond their professional scopes.
“Other deficiencies identified, included poor environmental hygiene, inadequate infection prevention, control measures and improper healthcare waste management. “The facility has no functional laboratory, while its theatre lacked basic equipment required for safe surgical services,” he said.
Abubakar said that the facility was re-sealed pending compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. He reaffirmed the commitment of the agency to ensure that private health facilities comply with standards to provide safe and quality healthcare services.
He urged residents of the state to report suspected cases of quackery, unsafe practices and other regulatory violations through appropriate channels. “Patient safety remains our priority,” he said.
