As the first tenure of the Prof. Chukwuma Soludo as Governor of Anambra State draws closer the Ministry of Health has declared that no fewer than 54 health facilities across the state were sealed between January 2023 and December 2025 for quack practices.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike disclosed this in a press conference. "15 out of the above-mentioned figures were reopened following compliance," he said.

"The development was in line with Governor Charles Soludo’s vision of transforming the state healthcare delivery system for International best standards; the affected hospitals included the State own-Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Anaku-Awka.

“I warmly welcome to this press briefing on the significant progress recorded in emergency medical services and overall health system strengthening in Anambra State under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Professor Charles Soludo.

“Since the official commissioning of the Anambra State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System on 11th May 2023, our state has experienced clear and measurable improvements in emergency response, access to care, and patient outcomes.

“These achievements reflect the administration’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives and building a resilient, people-centred health system, driven by the high-impact leadership of our Solution Governor.

“At inception in May 2023, ASEMSAS began operations with a modest fleet of just ten ambulances across some local government areas in the state.

“Today, under the thoughtful stewardship of Governor Soludo, the system has grown to over 60 operational ambulances across all twenty-one local government areas of Anambra State.

“In addition, we have received declarations of interest from 588 supplementary emergency transport units; of these, 315 tricycle ambulances has been dedicated to Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transportation (RESMAT), a targeted health initiative aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, particularly in hard-to-reach and underserved rural communities.

"We have also integrated seven boat ambulances to serve our riverine populations.

“This more than six-fold expansion of emergency transport has ensured that timely, life-saving care is no longer a privilege of a few but a service within reach of residents across urban centres, rural settlements, and riverine areas alike.

“It is clear evidence that emergency medical care in Anambra State has moved from aspiration to reality. Beyond expanding the fleet, the State Government has deliberately integrated ASEMSAS with an extensive network of public, private, and faith-based health facilities across the state.

“This integration strengthens referral pathways and ensures that patients transported by emergency services are received promptly in facilities equipped to deliver the appropriate level of care without delay.”

The briefing was held on Monday, January 26 in the office of the commissioner of Health at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka.