Ke The Edo State Healthcare Regulation and Monitoring Agency has ordered the immediate closure of Jess Royal Hospital in Benin City. The agency found that the facility had been operating for more than 10 years without the required statutory registration.

The discovery was made during a monitoring visit to an orphanage located in the same building as the hospital. EDOHERMA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Adesuwa Urhoghide-Edigin said the hospital owner confirmed it was not registered with the state government or the agency.

The owner said he was a member of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners, but the agency clarified that such membership does not replace official registration or give authority to run a healthcare facility in the state. A full inspection later uncovered several problems at the hospital.

Inspectors noted poor infection control, dirty ceilings and walls, rusted equipment, damaged mattresses and no evidence of regular pest control. The facility also lacked a working fire extinguisher, an emergency plan and a proper referral system, raising concerns about patient safety.

EDOHERMA directed the hospital to stop all medical operations immediately. It has been given two weeks to begin the official registration process and fix the identified problems.

The hospital will not be allowed to reopen until it fully meets the required health and safety standards.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper