Ministry Gives Private Health Institutions Ultimatum to Fulfill Registration

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By Ndey Sowe

The Ministry of Health has issued a dispatch urging all private health institutions to complete their registration and fulfill all their requirements in accordance with section 23, subsection 1 of the Medical Services Act 1988.

The health ministry’s decision came following the countrywide assessment of all the major private health institutions (Hospitals, Medical Centers, Clinics, Laboratories, Scanning Centers, Dental Clinics, Community Clinics, Faith Based Clinics, Nursing Homes, Maternity Homes, Rehabilitation Centers and Physiotherapy Clinics) by the Ministry of Health and Professional Health Councils.

The dispatch stated that registration forms are out, and all private health institutions are advised to pick up application forms at the Quality Assurance Unit under the Directorate of Planning and Information, Ministry of Health in Kotu and submit the completed form not later than Wednesday 17th February, 2021.

Dr. Mustapha Bittaye, Director of Health Services Ministry of Health, emphasized that any private health institution that failed to apply before the stipulated date, commits an offence and will receive appropriate measures as stated by the Act, including closure of the premises.

“The Ministry of Health in its drive to ensure that quality care services is rendered to the population, deem it necessary to work in close collaboration with the Private Health Institutions”, the dispatch stated.

The aforesaid ministry solicits the co-operation and understanding of all private health institutions.