Anambra State Cracks Down on Unregistered Mortuary Operators

The Anambra State Ministry of Health has told all mortuary owners and operators to register their facilities and renew any expired licenses. This is in line with the state's Public Health Law.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that this order came from a public notice issued by Dr Chukwulobelu Ugochukwu, the Director of Medical Services. He issued this notice on behalf of the Health Commissioner, Dr Afam Obidike, on Monday.

The notice states that all mortuaries operating in the state without registration with the Directorate of Medical Services must start the registration process immediately.

The ministry also instructed mortuary facilities that have expired registrations or are due for renewal to fix their status without delay. It explained that hospitals offering mortuary services need to register their mortuary units separately, no matter the registration status of the hospitals.

The notice emphasized that this directive applies to all mortuary facilities operating without proper approval in the state.

The ministry explained that this action is part of the state government's healthcare reform plan. The goal is to clean up and strengthen the healthcare sector.

They noted that this initiative will improve oversight and maintain proper standards in mortuary practices. The ministry added that this measure will also help control the spread of infectious diseases during outbreaks and pandemics. It will also help to stop illegal activities related to improper handling and mutilation of corpses.

"The ministry is updating its database of registered mortuary facilities across the state to improve monitoring, regulation, and compliance with public health rules."

"Affected operators are given until June 5 to finish their registration and license renewal processes."

"Full enforcement and inspection exercises will start across the state after the deadline. Appropriate penalties will be given to those who do not comply and to illegally operating facilities, as required by law," it said.

The ministry urged everyone involved to keep supporting efforts to improve healthcare services in the state.