Kwara govt shuts illegal private mortuary

Kwara State Ministry of Health, on Thursday, sealed an illegal private mortuary in Ilorin, the state capital.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, ordered the closure during an unscheduled visit to the facility, known as Omosebi, along the Ga Akanbi area of Ilorin metropolis.

The decision, according to the commissioner, is to ensure compliance with standards of care for the good people of Kwara State whether alive or dead.

The Commissioner noted that the facility, often referred to as ‘Omosebi’ is unknown to the ministry of health as a registered mortuary service provider.

Addressing journalists shortly after ordering the official closure of the facility, El-Imam said “it is important to preserve the dignity of our dead ones and ensure that infectious diseases do not reach the living from poor management of their remains; this facility does not meet the required standard.”

The visiting team included the Permanent Secretary, Directors from the state ministry of health and an officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The Director, Medical Services and Training, Dr. Musiliu Odunaiya, said the morgue handlers were required to report to the state ministry of health headquarters.

He called on members of the public to take the remains of their loved ones to available government-owned facilities where their safe custody could be guaranteed.