Titus Eleweke, South East Editor
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Anambra State Government has sealed no fewer than 54 health facilities across the state between January 2023 and December 2025 for engaging in quack medical practices.
The disclosure comes as the first tenure of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo approaches its conclusion.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, made this known on Monday during a press briefing at his office in the Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka. According to him, 15 of the sealed facilities were later reopened after meeting regulatory requirements and complying with laid-down standards.
Dr. Obidike explained that the enforcement actions were in line with Governor Soludo’s vision of transforming Anambra’s healthcare delivery system to meet international best practices.
He noted that the exercise cut across public and private institutions, including the state-owned Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Anaku–Awka, among others.
The commissioner said: “I warmly welcome you to this press briefing on the significant progress recorded in emergency medical services and overall health system strengthening in Anambra State under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.”
He highlighted that since the official commissioning of the Anambra State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (ASEMSAS) on May 11, 2023, the state has witnessed measurable improvements in emergency response time, access to healthcare, and patient outcomes.
“These achievements reflect the administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and building a resilient, people-centred healthcare system, driven by the high-impact leadership of our Solution Governor,” he said.
Dr. Obidike recalled that at inception in May 2023, ASEMSAS commenced operations with only 10 ambulances deployed across a few local government areas. He noted that the system has since expanded significantly.
“Today, under the thoughtful stewardship of Governor Soludo, the emergency medical service now operates over 60 fully functional ambulances across all 21 local government areas of Anambra State,” he stated.
He further disclosed that the state had received expressions of interest from 588 supplementary emergency transport units. Out of these, 315 tricycle ambulances have been dedicated to Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transportation (RESMAT), a targeted initiative aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, especially in hard-to-reach and underserved rural communities.
“In addition, we have integrated seven boat ambulances to cater for our riverine populations,” the commissioner added.
According to him, the more than six-fold expansion of emergency transport services has ensured that timely, life-saving medical care is no longer a privilege reserved for a few but a readily accessible service for residents in urban centres, rural settlements, and riverine communities alike.
“This development clearly demonstrates that emergency medical care in Anambra State has moved from aspiration to reality,” Dr. Obidike said.
He also noted that beyond fleet expansion, the state government has deliberately integrated ASEMSAS into an extensive network of public, private, and faith-based health facilities across the state.
This integration, he explained, strengthens referral systems and guarantees that patients transported by emergency services are promptly received in facilities equipped to provide the appropriate level of care without delay.
