Enugu Govt Urges Private Hospital Directors to Strengthen Data Reporting, Regulatory Compliance

The Enugu State Government has called on directors of private hospitals to deepen collaboration with the state by improving healthcare service data reporting and ensuring full compliance with registration and licensing requirements.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, made the call during an engagement with the Guild of Medical Directors of Private Hospitals in Enugu State held at the weekend in Enugu.

Speaking on the theme, “Collaboration on Healthcare Regulations and Data Reporting,” Ugwu described private hospitals as critical stakeholders in the healthcare sector whose daily operations save lives and significantly shape the state's health system.

“Private hospitals are pillars of healthcare and are often the first point of care for many citizens,” he said.

The commissioner noted that inadequate reporting of healthcare service data by private facilities remains a major challenge, warning that poor data submission leaves the sector underrepresented in government planning and decision-making.

According to him, incomplete data often translates to fewer resources, weaker representation and limited influence in healthcare governance and policy formulation.

Ugwu also highlighted Governor Peter Mbah’s vision for strengthening healthcare delivery in the state, including ongoing work on the proposed 300-bed International Hospital.

He disclosed that the administration is pursuing plans to position Enugu as a hub for the production of healthcare products, medicines and medical equipment, while ensuring both public and private health facilities have access to such products.

The commissioner further stressed that all hospitals operating within the state must be duly registered with the Ministry of Health and maintain up-to-date licence renewals.

He revealed that inspections of healthcare facilities had already commenced in Enugu South Local Government Area to verify registration status and eliminate quack operators and unlicensed facilities.

Speaking during the engagement, the State Malaria Elimination Programme Coordinator, Dr. Ifeoma Otiji, noted that private hospitals account for about 40 per cent of healthcare services accessed by residents of the state.

“Service data is more than statistics; it is the evidence that guides government decisions on funding, staffing, training and infrastructure,” Otiji said.

She explained that the absence of data from private hospitals undermines the accuracy of state health records and weakens critical intervention programmes.

“Without their data, state health statistics remain incomplete, undermining programmes such as malaria control, immunisation, tuberculosis, HIV and non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes,” she stated.

Otiji urged private hospital operators to prioritise timely and accurate reporting of healthcare data.

“Without data from the private hospitals, the state is being short-changed,” she added.

Responding on behalf of the private healthcare sector, the Chairman of the Guild of Medical Directors, Dr. Callistus Ene, assured the government of the association’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with relevant health authorities.

Ene stated that the majority of the guild’s members are duly registered and compliant with licence renewal requirements.

He also pledged the commitment of members to complete, accurate and timely submission of healthcare service data, acknowledging its importance in policy formulation and healthcare planning.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by both parties to strengthen health data systems, improve collaboration and ensure that private hospitals are adequately represented in healthcare governance and decision-making in Enugu State.

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