By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Benue State Government is to eliminate all unlicensed hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, laboratories, Dispensaries, diagnosis, among others with the aim to sanitize the health sector and ensure effective revenue generation.
Commissioner of Health and Human services, Dr Joseseph Ngbea made this disclosure in Makurdi, the Benue State capital when he received on a courtesy visit, the Chairman, Benue State Internal Revenue Service, BIRS, Mr Andrew Ayabam.
Dr Ngbea directed all unregistered and unlicensed hospitals, clinics, pertinent medicine shops, others to complete registration and acquire their licensing requirements as stipulated by law.
He also directed those who have registered and have the license to provide proof of registration and licensing with the relevant councils or face the wrath of the law.
The Commissioner pointed out that the directive became necessary due to an upsurge in the number of unlicensed and unregistered medical facilities in the state.
He restated government’s commitment to check activities of the health sector that are inimical to the health needs of the Benue citizens as well as boost revenue generation in the state.
Ngbea hinted that a committee comprising critical Stakeholders from the ministry, BIRS, Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police would be constituted to ensure strict compliance.
He lauded the BIRS’s helmsman, Mr Ayabam for recognizing the role of the ministry in boosting revenue generation in the state.
The Chairman of BIRS, Mr Andrew Ayabam in his remarks maintained that the visit was to ensure how to improve the revenue profile of the state. He applauded the Commissioner over his efforts in revamping the health sector.
He described the proliferation of unlicensed hospitals among others as illegal, noting that if not checked it would affect the health needs of the masses.
