Anambra State Government has directed all mortuary owners and operators across the state to register their facilities and renew expired licences as part of efforts to strengthen regulation in the health sector.
Gatekeepers News reports that the directive was issued through the state Ministry of Health in a notice signed by the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Chukwulobelu Ugochukwu, on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike.
According to the government, the exercise is in line with the healthcare reform programme of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration and is aimed at updating the state’s database of mortuary facilities to improve monitoring, regulation and compliance with public health standards.
The notice gave operators until June 5, 2026, to complete their registration and licence renewal processes. Authorities warned that enforcement and inspection exercises would begin immediately after the deadline, with sanctions awaiting defaulters and facilities operating illegally.
The government also clarified that hospitals offering mortuary services must register their mortuary units separately, regardless of their existing hospital registration status.
It said the initiative would help improve oversight, curb unlawful practices associated with the handling of corpses and strengthen disease-control measures during public health emergencies.
Officials stressed that all unregistered mortuaries currently operating in the state must immediately report to the Directorate of Medical Services in Awka for registration, while operators with expired permits are expected to renew them without delay.
