JUST IN: Katsina gov orders immediate closure of private healthcare facilities

T The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has ordered the immediate closure of all private healthcare institutions operating within the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Umar Mammada, disclosed this during a press briefing held at the Ministry of Information and Culture, Katsina, on Monday.

According to Mammada, in recent years, Katsina State has experienced a significant increase in private health training institutions, many of which are unregistered and substandard.

“While we acknowledge the crucial role that private healthcare plays in our health ecosystem, it is imperative to ensure the highest quality and safety for all citizens,” he said.

He continued, “Recent findings from the Ministry of Health and the State Government have raised serious concerns about the operations of numerous unregistered private health training institutions in our state.
Some of these institutions do not meet the necessary legal requirements to operate as private health training establishments, thereby posing significant risks to the public.”

“In light of these concerns, I am here to announce that the Executive Governor has directed the immediate closure and revocation of the registration and licences of all private health training institutions in Katsina State. This decision will remain in effect until a thorough re-evaluation and fresh registration process is conducted, ensuring that every institution meets the stringent health standards required to operate.”

“Proprietors are requested to present themselves at the State Ministry of Health with all necessary documentation from Thursday, 24th to Friday, 25th, 2024 for verification and a fresh registration meeting with a special committee chaired by the Special Adviser to His Excellency on Health Institutions.”

“It is imperative that all health institutions comply with the laws and regulations governing the establishment of Private Health Training Institutions in the state.”

“We aim to implement a more standardised and rigorous regulatory framework for both existing and prospective private health training institutions.”

Mammada urged all private health training institution operators, employees, and citizens of Katsina State to view the closure as a necessary measure to sanitise the system.

“During this closure period, we will continue to work diligently to ensure a transparent and efficient mechanism for re-validation and fresh registrations, guaranteeing compliance with standards,” the Special Adviser added.