Society
Edo shuts hospital operating illegally for 10 years
By Jethro Ibileke
The Edo State Healthcare Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA) has shut down Jess Royal Hospital, Benin, after discovering that it had operated for more than 10 years without government registration.
The facility was uncovered during a routine monitoring visit to an orphanage sharing the same premises.
The inspection team, led by the Director of Medical Services, Dr Peter Evbuomwan, discovered that the hospital was neither registered with the Edo State Ministry of Health nor with EDOHERMA.
They also discovered that the facility lacked proper infection prevention and control measures, with no proof of fumigation or pest control, no serviceable fire extinguisher, emergency plan or referral system. The team also found rusted and deteriorated ward equipment, damaged mattresses, and cobwebs on ceilings and walls.
During an engagement with the owner, who allegedly claimed to be a member of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), he told the team that ill health had delayed his registration.
The CEO of EDOHERMA, Dr Adesuwa Urhoghide-Edigin, then ordered the Medical Services Department to carry out a full compliance inspection.
She noted that a facility that had been in operation for 10 years should have met all legal requirements.
“ANPMP membership does not amount to statutory registration and does not authorise anyone to operate a healthcare facility in Edo State,” Dr Urhoghide-Edigin clarified.
The EDOHERMA CEO, who described the findings as raising “serious concerns about patient safety and emergency response capacity”, directed that all medical activities at Jess Royal Hospital stop immediately.
She further directed the facility to commence EDOHERMA registration within the next 14 days and address all infrastructural, environmental, equipment and health-standard gaps identified.
Dr Urhoghide-Edigin reiterated that patient safety is non-negotiable, adding that no facility would be permitted to compromise health and sanitary standards.
“Jess Royal Hospital will not be allowed to resume operations until it satisfactorily meets all regulatory requirements. A follow-up inspection will be conducted to ascertain compliance,” she said.
