Cross River cracks down on substandard clinics

…gives 3-month ultimatum to comply or shut down

By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

The Cross River State Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal and substandard health facilities, issuing a three-month ultimatum to erring clinics to upgrade or face closure.

The directive followed a recent inspection of health facilities across the Central Senatorial District by the Department of Medical and Dental Services in the Ministry of Health, with the approval of Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk.

Led by the Director of Medical and Dental Services, Dr. Stephen Agbor, the team evaluated 19 public and private facilities in Yakurr, Obubra, and Ikom Local Government Areas for compliance with regulatory standards.

The inspection revealed widespread deficiencies, including inadequate qualified manpower, poor sanitation, unsafe medical waste disposal, and lack of proper registration with the Ministry.

Some facilities were allegedly staffed by unqualified personnel posing as healthcare providers.

Other critical lapses included the absence of basic emergency equipment such as oxygen cylinders, ambulances and fire extinguishers, poor sterilization processes, dirty beddings, and generally unhygienic environments unsuitable for patient care.

In a firm response, the Ministry directed “Ade Family Clinic in Ugep” and “Rockalive Medical Centre in Nko all in Yakurr LGA to improve their services and meet required operational standards within three months or risk total shutdown.

Other identified facilities were also ordered to urgently address the observed shortcomings, with the Ministry warning that routine inspections would be stepped up to enforce compliance.

The exercise is part of broader efforts by the state government to eliminate quackery, enforce healthcare standards and protect public health.

Officials described the findings as shocking, exposing deep-rooted challenges in the sector and the need for sustained regulatory oversight.

The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery through continuous monitoring, strict enforcement and necessary reforms to ensure quality and safe medical services for residents.