The Niger State Private Health Facilities Agency (NiSPHFA) has shut down 15 private health facilities and arrested a man allegedly posing as a medical doctor during an enforcement operation in Suleja Local Government Area of the state.

Abdullahi Suleiman, Executive Chairman of NiSPHFA, disclosed this during an inspection in Suleja on Saturday after the agency’s task force carried out inspections of selected private health facilities in the area.

He said the operation followed intelligence reports and routine regulatory inspections aimed at sanitising the healthcare sector and protecting residents from unsafe medical practices.

Mr Suleiman said the task force sealed Ellamara Specialist Hospital after discovering that a suspect was allegedly providing medical services without the required qualifications, professional registration, and a valid practising licence.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, who reportedly dropped out of medical school, had allegedly practised as a medical doctor in Suleja for about six years.

“The suspect was also said to have been disengaged by a former employer over issues relating to his credentials and had allegedly been arrested in Cross River State in the past for a similar offence,” he said.

The chairman said the enforcement was part of the agency’s commitment to ensuring strict compliance with healthcare standards and safeguarding public health.

He warned owners of private health facilities against employing unqualified personnel, stressing that the agency would not tolerate any action capable of endangering patients’ lives.

“The affected facility has been sealed pending the conclusion of investigations, while the suspect has been handed over to security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution,” he said.

Mr Suleiman disclosed that a total of 15 private health facilities were shut during the exercise for various regulatory infractions, including failure to meet operational standards and non-compliance with licensing requirements.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious healthcare practices to the appropriate authorities.

Mr Suleiman reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to strengthen oversight of private healthcare establishments and ensure that only qualified professionals provide medical services across the state.

(NAN)