By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State government under the leadership of Prof Chukwuma Soludo has banned medical outreaches not approved by the state government.

This was contained in a public notice issued by the state Ministry of Health on December 2, 2024.

According to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, conducting medical missions or outreaches without prior Ministry approval is prohibited.

He explained that the measure is geared towards protecting public health, ensure high standards of care, prevention of public health risks, and above all, strengthen collaboration between stakeholders and the Ministry.

The public notice reads: ?To obtain approval, organizations and individuals must submit an application to the Commissioner for Health, providing outreach details, including dates, locations, services, qualifications of health professionals, and a list of medical supplies.

?They must also engage with local communities, ensure safety compliance, and submit their applications at least 30 days before the proposed outreach date.

?Violators of this directive may face penalties, including fines, license revocation, or legal action.?

The Ministry further pledged to support approved medical missions and also provide guidance to ensure successful, safe, and impactful healthcare delivery.

?For more information or to report any concerns, the public can contact the Ministry of Health at Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka, or call the hotlines: Emergencies (08057655442), General Complaints (09135169905), or Anonymous Reports (07013197263),? it adds.