The Enugu State Ministry of Health has shut down 10 private hospitals and clinics in the coal city for operating below the minimum standard set for healthcare providers.

Briefing journalists at the end of the state’s executive council meeting in Enugu on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Chuks Ugwoke, said the registration certificates of the affected clinics had been withdrawn.

He said the clinics were shut down for inadequacy of health personnel both in quantity and quality, as well as use of obsolete and non-functional equipment.

He listed the clinics to include Moonlight Clinic on Agbani Road, Chief Dennis Memorial Hospital and Maternity on Kingsway Road, ZirankHospital and Maternity on Nike Road and Mount Olive Specialist Hospital in Abakpa Nike.

Others are Royal Diagnostic Centre and Spring of Life Specialist Hospital both on Agbani Road, Merit Laboratory and Somadina Hospital, both on Nike Road and Divine Dividend Medical Centre at Gariki, Awkunanaw.

“The government has served a note of warning to the affected clinics. There will be severe punishments and prosecutions if they dare open those clinics without satisfying the requirements.

“The government is interested in quality health services for its citizens. It is not a punitive measure; it is aimed at saving lives,’’ the commissioner explained.

He expressed optimism that the closure would affect other clinics which operated below standards in the 17 local government areas of the state. (NAN)