The Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA) has closed down 17 health facilities across the country for operating with expired licences or under unsafe conditions deemed unfit for healthcare delivery.
HeFRA disclosed that the decision to close down these facilities forms part of a nationwide exercise.
The exercise is aimed at clamping down on facilities operating without the necessary authorisation or proper documentation.
Speaking to journalists, the Chief Executive Officer of HeFRA, Dr. Winfred Baah, said the Agency took the decision in the interests of public safety.
He said based on the assessment done, and the risks to public safety, they had no other choice than to shut down non-compliant facilities.
“A few of the facilities have been very recalcitrant. They have not paid their administrative fines and have also failed to take steps to renew their licences. Once a facility is unlicensed, we cannot be certain about the competence of the personnel or the safety of the equipment used to provide care to patients.”
“When that happens, we must intervene and close them down. HeFRA is undergoing a reset to better position ourselves to fulfil our mandate of regulating health facilities effectively,” he said.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
