The Ministry of Health has directed all health agencies and regulatory bodies to intensify efforts to clamp down on illegal operations that threaten public health.
Speaking at the signing of a Performance Contract Agreement on Wednesday, October 22, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh commended the Traditional Medicine Practice Council and the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA) for their efforts in shutting down unlicensed health operators and facilities that fail to meet required standards.
“I will commend some of the agencies that are shaking the system. I’ve heard about the traditional medicine people going around, trying to clamp down on the quack people in the system. I’ve heard about HeFRA; they are also shaking the system,” he said.
Mr. Akandoh also urged the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA) to strengthen their regulatory oversight to safeguard public health and safety.
“I have not heard so much about the FDA. I want to hear the FDA out there. All the agencies under the ministry, I want to hear everybody executing their mandate, especially the mortuary people. They are also called MoFFA. There are a lot of mortuaries out there without certification.
“They are not being regulated. And they are places where you can easily spread diseases. Tell me if I’m lying. They are places, and you walk into communities, and the way dead bodies are laid in state, how we give free access to dead bodies in this country, this must be regulated,” he stated.