CLOSURE OF PRIVATE HEALTH CENTERS: Force Must Remain with the Law

From our vantage point at Le Pays, we commend the Ministry of Health for its decisive action in cracking down on irregular private health centers. For too long, this sensitive sector has been plagued by individuals operating without the requisite qualifications or proper authorization, driven solely by profit. This situation has created a chaotic environment where the quality of care is questionable, and patient safety is often compromised.

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In fact, by 'counterfeiter,' one must understand here any person who practices a profession without having the profile for it. And God only knows how many do it.

The ministry's initiative to enforce regulations is not merely about administrative compliance; it's about safeguarding the lives and well-being of our citizens. The report highlights a litany of irregularities, from centers lacking basic permits to those offering specialized medical procedures without the necessary expertise. Furthermore, the involvement of active public health officials in private ventures represents a blatant conflict of interest and a betrayal of public trust.

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All health centers in an irregular situation are ordered to close. And the ministry recalls that any offender is liable to sanctions.

We understand that opening a health center should be a straightforward process for those who adhere to the rules. Indeed, many private providers contribute significantly to healthcare access in our country, working in tandem with the state. However, this should not come at the expense of established norms and standards. Those who operate outside the law, jeopardizing public health for personal gain, must be held accountable. As the saying goes, 'Force must remain with the law.'

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We do not prevent anyone from opening a health center, as long as it respects the regulations in force. Proof of this is that some have done so and operate without any problems.

Le Pays supports the ministry's call for rigor. While we applaud the effort to clean up the sector, vigilance is key. There is a risk that some closed establishments might continue operating clandestinely or relocate to unmonitored areas. The ministry must remain proactive, ensuring that these operations are permanently shut down and that the health of our population is no longer put at risk by unscrupulous actors. This is not a matter for sentiment; it is a matter of public safety and adherence to the rule of law.

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We cannot tolerate others rowing against the current of established norms to the point of endangering the lives of populations.