Unlicensed health facilities threaten lives in Ketu South — Director warns
Mr David Agbokpe, Ketu South Municipal Health Director, has cautioned the public against patronising unlicensed health facilities, warning that their operations pose serious risks to their lives.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Agbokpe said some facilities operating without authorisation continued to endanger unsuspecting patients through unsafe and unregulated practices.
He explained that such operators often delayed referring patients to appropriate facilities, keeping them until their conditions worsened.
“In some cases, they hold on to patients until their conditions deteriorate before allowing them to seek proper care at approved facilities, and unfortunately, some victims do not survive the delay,” he said.
Mr Agbokpe disclosed that the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA), Volta/Oti Regional Office, had recently closed down about 22 unlicensed health facilities in the municipality.
He said the offences ranged from operating without licences to the use of expired drugs and practices that did not conform to acceptable healthcare standards.
The Municipal Director cited a case currently being handled at the Ketu South Municipal Hospital, where a patient reportedly suffered complications after receiving an injection at an unlicensed facility, resulting in loss of the person’s ability to work.
He noted that many facilities operated within private residences, making it difficult to monitor their activities, yet their impact on the healthcare system remained significant.
“These activities undermine quality healthcare delivery and put additional pressure on approved facilities that eventually have to manage complications,” he added.
Mr Agbokpe urged residents to verify the status of health facilities before seeking care and to report suspicious operators to the appropriate authorities.
He emphasised the need for continuous public education and collaboration with regulatory bodies to clamp down on illegal practices and safeguard public health.
The Municipal Health Directorate reiterated its commitment to working with HeFRA and other stakeholders to ensure that only qualified and licensed facilities provided healthcare services in the municipality.
Source: GNA