Elochukwu Benjamin
Awka
The Anambra State Government has introduced a new Health Facility Accreditation Sticker with a QR code to enable residents identify genuine, government-approved health facilities and avoid unlicensed operators across the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, disclosed this during the ongoing statewide accreditation and licensing exercise, describing the initiative as a major step towards improving transparency, patient safety and quality healthcare delivery.
He explained that all private hospitals, maternity homes, medical laboratories, dental clinics and other health facilities are required to renew their licences and accreditation annually, with only those that meet the Ministry of Health’s standards receiving the official accreditation sticker.
According to Obidike, the sticker must be displayed prominently within accredited facilities and carries a unique QR code that allows members of the public to verify a facility’s accreditation status using their smartphones.
He added that the sticker also contains the Ministry’s website and contact details through which residents can report complaints or suspected quack health facilities.
The commissioner said the initiative would help eliminate quackery in the health sector by ensuring that only qualified and licensed facilities provide medical services, reaffirming Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to building a healthcare system anchored on quality, professionalism and accountability.
Also speaking, the Director of Medical Services in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, said the accreditation exercise is designed to strengthen healthcare regulation and ensure compliance with professional and legal standards before facilities are approved to operate.
He said inspection teams assess hospitals and other health facilities based on infrastructure, equipment, staffing, infection prevention and control measures, waste management, emergency preparedness and proper record keeping.
Chukwulobelu added that the ministry would continue routine monitoring to ensure accredited facilities maintain the required standards.
The Director of Awka Medical Centre, Dr. Eric Anazodo, whose hospital received its renewed 2026 operational licence, described the exercise as necessary for maintaining quality healthcare delivery.
He said the medical centre renews its licence every year without waiting for reminders and urged other health facility owners to comply with government regulations.
Anazodo also commended Governor Soludo, Commissioner Obidike and the Ministry of Health for strengthening healthcare regulation in the state.
The accreditation team later visited Rock Foundation Hospital, Awka, where officials presented and affixed the official Health Facility Accreditation Sticker after the hospital successfully renewed its 2026 operational licence, confirming its compliance with the state’s regulatory requirements.
