Anambra directs mortuary operators to register, renew licences

The Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Health, has directed all mortuary owners and operators in the state to register their facilities or renew expired licences as part of ongoing regulatory reforms in the health sector.

The directive was contained in a public notice signed by the Director of Medical Services in the Ministry of Health, Dr Chukwulobelu Ugochukwu, on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike.

According to the notice dated May 29, 2026, the move is in line with the healthcare reform agenda of the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

“All concerned operators are given up to June 5, 2026, to complete their registration and renewal processes,” the statement said, adding that enforcement and inspection would commence after the deadline.

The government warned that defaulters and illegally operating facilities would face sanctions in line with existing laws.

It said the exercise is aimed at updating the state’s database of mortuary facilities to improve monitoring, regulation, and compliance with public health standards.

The notice stated that hospitals providing mortuary services must register their mortuary units independently, regardless of their hospital registration status.

“All mortuaries currently operating in Anambra State that have not been registered with the Directorate of Medical Services, Ministry of Health, Awka, are required to immediately visit the Department for registration,” it said.

It added: “All mortuary facilities whose registrations have expired or are due for renewal are equally directed to renew their licences without delay.”

The government also said the initiative is part of efforts to sanitise the health sector, improve regulatory oversight, control the spread of infectious diseases during outbreaks, and address unlawful practices associated with improper handling of corpses.

“The Ministry of Health is presently updating its database of all registered mortuary facilities across the State to ensure effective monitoring, regulation and compliance with the Public Health Law,” the statement added.

It further warned that “full enforcement and inspection exercises shall commence across the State, and appropriate sanctions shall be applied against defaulters and illegally operating facilities in accordance with the law.”