The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Jess Royal Hospital in Benin after discovering that the facility had operated for more than a decade without statutory registration.
The action followed a monitoring exercise by the Edo State Healthcare Regulation and Monitoring Agency, EDOHERMA.
According to the agency, the hospital was neither registered with the Edo State Ministry of Health nor currently registered with EDOHERMA.
A subsequent inspection reportedly uncovered a number of deficiencies, including poor infection-control practices, deteriorating ward equipment, damaged mattresses and the absence of evidence of routine fumigation and pest control.
The agency also said the facility lacked a valid fire extinguisher, an emergency preparedness plan and an established referral system.
EDOHERMA said the conditions raised serious concerns about patient safety and the hospital’s ability to respond to emergencies.
The hospital operator reportedly explained that health challenges had prevented him from completing the registration process.
The agency, however, maintained that statutory requirements remained mandatory regardless of the circumstances.
EDOHERMA has directed the hospital to cease all medical operations and given the facility two weeks to commence registration and address the identified deficiencies.
The hospital will only be allowed to resume operations after a follow-up inspection establishes that it has complied with the applicable requirements.
The agency also warned private healthcare operators in the state that membership of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners does not amount to government registration or approval to operate a healthcare facility.
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