Anambra Shuts 54 Medical Facilities Over Ethical Lapses
Anambra Shuts 54 Medical Facilities Over Ethical Lapses
The Anambra State Ministry of Health has shut down at least 54 medical centers throughout the state from January 2023 to December 2025 due to substandard professional conduct.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, shared these details with the press during a Monday briefing held in Awka.
Dr. Obidike clarified, however, that 15 of these establishments have been permitted to resume operations after meeting the required regulatory standards.
He explained that these enforcement actions align with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s objective to elevate Anambra’s healthcare sector to meet global benchmarks.
According to the Commissioner, the list of impacted institutions includes the state-managed Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital located in Amaku-Awka.
He said, “I warmly welcome you, on behalf of the Anambra State Ministry of Health, to this press briefing on the significant progress recorded in emergency medical services and overall health system strengthening in Anambra State under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Prof. Charles Soludo.
“Since the official commissioning of the Anambra State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System on May 11, 2023, our state has experienced clear and measurable improvements in emergency response, access to care, and patient outcomes.
“No fewer than 54 health facilities across the state have been sealed between January 2023 and December 2025 over unprofessional practices. But 15 out of the 54 hospitals were reopened recently following compliance with laid-down directives.
“These achievements reflect the administration’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives and building a resilient, people-centred health system, driven by the high-impact leadership of our Solution Governor.
“At inception in May 2023, ASEMSAS began operations with a modest fleet of just 10 ambulances across some local government areas.
“Today, under the thoughtful stewardship of Governor Soludo, the system has grown to over 60 operational ambulances across all 21 local government areas of Anambra State.
“In addition, we have received declarations of interest from 588 supplementary emergency transport units. Of these, 315 are tricycle ambulances dedicated to Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transportation, a targeted health initiative aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, particularly in hard-to-reach and underserved rural communities. We have also integrated seven boat ambulances to serve our riverine populations.
“This more than six-fold expansion of emergency transport has ensured that timely, life-saving care is no longer a privilege of a few but a service within reach of residents across urban centres, rural settlements, and riverine areas alike.
“It is clear evidence that emergency medical care in Anambra State has moved from aspiration to reality. Beyond expanding the fleet, the State Government has deliberately integrated ASEMSAS with an extensive network of public, private, and faith-based health facilities across the state.
“This integration strengthens referral pathways and ensures that patients transported by emergency services are received promptly in facilities equipped to deliver the appropriate level of care without delay.”
Previously, in August 2025, Punch Online reported that state authorities closed a maternity center for practicing in unsanitary conditions and operating without a valid license since 2018.
The facility in question was Mercy Maternity and Clinic, situated in Uruagwu within the Nnewi North Local Government Area.
Speaking to journalists, Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, the then acting director of medical services in the state’s Ministry of Health, stated that the clinic was also operating with unqualified medical personnel.
