North-West Moves To Shut Substandard Private Health Institutions –
The North-West Health Commissioners’ Forum has announced the closure of private health institutions that fail to meet approved standards across seven states in the region.
During a task force meeting with provosts and heads of private health institutions in Dutse, Dr. Abdullahi Muhammad Kainuwa, the chairman of the forum and Jigawa State Commissioner of Health, disclosed this decision. He emphasized that the action is a response to existing concerns regarding institutions that lack permanent facilities, qualified personnel, laboratories, and other essential elements crucial for training competent health professionals.
Kainuwa noted that a regional task force has been established to inspect private health institutions throughout the North-West and ensure compliance with established standards. “Any institution that does not meet the required standards will be subject to closure,” he stated.
The commissioner acknowledged the significant role private institutions play in producing health professionals, especially given the limitations of public institutions to accommodate the increasing number of students seeking admission. However, he insisted that these private institutions must demonstrate compliance by providing the necessary facilities and employing qualified staff before receiving operational approval.
Kainuwa also issued a warning to regulatory agencies, indicating that approvals granted without appropriate inspections would result in accountability measures for the officials involved. “Those found to have approved institutions without adhering to due process will be identified and held responsible,” he said.
He reiterated that the initiative aims not to hinder legitimate private institutions but to safeguard students and ensure that health professionals trained in the region possess the requisite knowledge and practical skills to deliver quality healthcare. “We support private institutions, but adherence to standards is mandatory,” he added. “They must have the appropriate facilities and qualified personnel to operate in compliance with regulations.”
The North-West Health Commissioners believe that this enforcement effort will protect the quality of the region’s health workforce and prevent unqualified professionals from entering the healthcare system.
