Anambra seals 54 health facilities over alleged quackery

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By Madu Obi

No fewer than 54 health facilities were sealed across Anambra State between January 2023 and December 2025 over alleged quackery practices, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike has said.

According to the Commissioner, the sealing of the facilities was in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of transforming the state healthcare delivery system to meet international best practices.

He, however, added that 15 of the facilities have been reopened following their compliance with the required standards.

Obidike stated that a significant progress has been recorded in emergency medical services to strengthen the overall health system in Anambra State.

He said: “Since the official commissioning of the Anambra State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System on 11th May 2023, our state has experienced clear and measurable improvements in emergency response, access to care, and patient outcomes.

These achievements reflect the administration’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives and building a resilient, people-centred health system, driven by the high-impact leadership of our Solution Governor.

At inception in May 2023, ASEMSAS began operations with a modest fleet of just ten ambulances across some local government areas in the state.Today, the system has grown to over 60 operational ambulances across all twenty-one local government areas of Anambra State.

In addition, we have received declarations of interest from 588 supplementary emergency transport units. Out of this number, 315 tricycle ambulances were dedicated to Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transportation (RESMAT), a targeted health initiative aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, particularly in hard-to-reach and underserved rural communities. We have also integrated seven boat ambulances to serve our riverine populations.

This expansion of emergency transport has ensured that timely, life-saving care is no longer a privilege of a few, but a service within reach of residents across urban centres, rural settlements, and riverine areas alike.

He said that emergency medical care in Anambra State has moved from aspiration to reality, adding that beyond expanding the fleet, the state government has deliberately integrated ASEMSAS with an extensive network of public, private, and faith-based health facilities across the state.