Kwara state government on Thursday sealed a privately owned mortuary facility “Omosebi Mortuary” in GaaAkanbi area of Ilorin, the state capital.
Government officials led by Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-imam sealed the facility after paying an unscheduled visit.
The Commissioner said that the action was a decisive move to ensure compliance with standards of care for the good people of Kwara State whether alive or dead.
She further noted that aside from its state of substandard, the facility, referred to as ‘Omosebi’, is unknown to the Ministry of Health as a registered Mortuary service provider.
Addressing the press crew shortly after ordering the official closure of the facility, the commissioner 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 Director of Medical Services and Training, Dr Musiliu Odunaiya directed the Morgue handlers to report to the State Ministry of Health Headquarters at Fate to resolve relevant issues and ensure the facility is safe for public use.
He also called on members of the public to take the remains of their loved ones to available Government-owned facilities where their safe custody can be guaranteed.