… To Slash Registration Fees Of Private Hospitals

The Enugu State government, says it will begin a downward review of the registration and annual renewal fees payable by private hospitals in the state.

The state Commissioner for Information, Mr Chuks Ugwoke, disclosed this to newsmen in Enugu on Thursday.

He said that the State Executive Council gave the approval for the downward review to discourage the establishment of substandard hospitals and encourage group medical practice.

Ugwoke said that the reduction in fees would be in accordance with the classes of services rendered by different private hospitals, noting that it would help to improve the health system in the state.

He said that the government in a bid to also improve the health system in the state would procure some medical equipment for the Burns Care Unit of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu.

The Commissioner said the machine would cost N29 million, adding that a contract had been awarded for its purchase.

“The government in line with the four point agenda has awarded a contract for the procurement of CardioServ Defibrillator machine, Blood Gas Analyzer, standard ventilator, 100 KVA generator and air conditioner.

“The government has earmarked N29 million to procure this equipment,’’ he said.

Ugwoke also revealed that the government would soon begin the renovation of the mechanical and electrical workshop of the state Ministry of Transport.

He said the renovation would aid the repairs of the state owned shuttle buses to reduce money spent by the government on their maintenance.