The Anambra State Government has directed all mortuary owners and operators across the state to register their facilities with the Ministry of Health before June 5, 2026, or face penalties under existing public health laws.

The directive is part of ongoing healthcare reforms introduced by the state governor, Chukwuma Soludo, aimed at strengthening regulation and sanitation standards within the health sector.

According to officials, the registration exercise applies to all private and public mortuaries, including those operated within hospitals.

Authorities emphasized that hospitals offering mortuary services must register those units separately, regardless of their existing operational licences.

The government said the move is designed to ensure proper monitoring, improve hygiene standards, and maintain an updated database of mortuary facilities across the state.

It added that the initiative would also help curb illegal operations and enhance disease control measures, especially during public health emergencies.

State health authorities warned that enforcement would begin immediately after the June 5 deadline, with inspections scheduled across all local government areas.

While details of specific penalties were not fully outlined in the official notice, reports indicate that defaulters risk facing sanctions, including possible imprisonment, in line with relevant health regulations.

The directive underscores the Soludo administration’s broader push to reform Anambra’s healthcare system and ensure strict compliance with public health standards.