Kano State Shuts Down Over 35 Private Health Facilities for Violations

The Kano State Private Health Institutions Management Agency has closed more than 35 private health facilities in the past year due to violations of health regulations. Hajiya Khadijah Sa’id, the Acting Director-General of the agency, announced this during an interview in Kano.

Sa’id explained that the closures are part of efforts to ensure safe healthcare for residents. Major reasons for the shutdowns included operating without a license, failing to renew annual registrations, and employing unqualified staff.

In total, the agency sanctioned over 100 facilities for various issues. However, those that committed serious violations faced permanent closure. Sa’id emphasized that once a facility is delisted, the owner cannot register another facility using their professional license.

The agency’s oversight includes private hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, diagnostic labs, dental centers, beauty salons, spas, and fitness centers. Sa’id noted that they work with other government agencies to identify and shut down illegal health facilities.

Recently, an inter-agency task force found a clinic that had been previously closed but reopened at a different location. To improve compliance, the agency plans to strengthen routine inspections across all local government areas in Kano State.

Sa’id called on private health facility operators to ensure they have the necessary licenses and qualified staff. She also mentioned that additional funding and vehicles would help expand inspection efforts in the state.