Amanze Chinonye
The Anambra State Government has directed all mortuary owners and operators across the state to register their facilities or renew expired licences before June 5, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight in the health sector, Prime Business Africa reports.
The directive was contained in a public notice issued by the Ministry of Health and signed by the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike.
READ ALSO :
Join our WhatsApp Channel
According to the ministry, the exercise forms part of the healthcare reform agenda of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration and is aimed at improving monitoring, regulation and compliance with public health standards.
The government said all mortuary facilities currently operating in the state but not registered with the Directorate of Medical Services must immediately commence the registration process, while those with expired licences are required to renew them without delay.
It clarified that hospitals offering mortuary services must separately register their mortuary units, irrespective of their existing hospital registration status.
READ MORE :
Anambra Stakeholders Split Over Soludo’s ‘One-Sided’ Project Implementation
The ministry disclosed that it is updating its database of registered mortuary facilities across the state to ensure effective monitoring and compliance with public health laws.
Officials said the exercise would also help strengthen disease-control measures during outbreaks and address unlawful practices associated with the improper handling of corpses.
“All concerned operators are given up to June 5, 2026, to complete their registration and renewal processes,” the notice stated.
The government warned that enforcement and inspection exercises would commence immediately after the deadline, with sanctions to be imposed on defaulters and illegally operating facilities in accordance with existing laws.
The latest directive comes amid a broader regulatory crackdown on unlicensed and substandard health facilities in the state. Earlier this year, the Anambra State Government disclosed that dozens of health facilities had been shut down over regulatory violations, including operating without valid licences and engaging in unsafe practices.
Records maintained by the state’s Health Facilities Accreditation and Monitoring Unit indicate that mortuary services fall under the categories of health facilities subject to registration and regulatory oversight by the government.
Authorities said the ongoing enforcement drive is intended to sanitise the health sector, curb quackery and ensure that health-related establishments operate in line with approved standards and regulations.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
