FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Public
1What is PHERMC?
PHERMC stands for Private Health Establishments Registration and Monitoring Committee. It is the statutory body saddled with the responsibility of registration, monitoring and regulating private health facilities within the FCT.
2How do I get my facilities registered?
- The Establishment MUST be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and given a Certificate of Incorporation of a name that specifies the type of health facility with a minimum of three (3) directors, one of which should be a health professional in the relevant field/area being sought for registration.
- The next step is a typewritten application on the Company letterhead paper (with at least three (3) names of the Board of Directors and their nationality at the bottom) addressed to:
- Indicating interest in establishing a Private Health Facility in FCT (Please give your precise location address, with landmarks where appropriate and telephone number (s).
- Attach a photocopy of (CAC) Certificate of Incorporation and Application letter for acknowledgement.
3Can I renew the PHERMC registration of my facilities at any time of the year?
Yes, PHERMC renewal is annually and when done on or before 31st of March every year attracts no penalty. However, renewals after March 31st attracts relevant penalty.
4Can a non-medical professional own a health care facility?
YES, but must have at least two other Directors with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) one of which must be a health professional in the field relevant to the type of facility to be registered.
5How many times should I expect PHERMC visit to my facility before final registration?
PHERMC carries out at least two inspections – Preliminary and Pre-registration inspections before a facility is provisionally registered and another inspection – pre-full inspection before the issuance of Certificate of Full Registration. However, where any inspection is unsatisfactory, a follow-up inspection will be done.
6What are the penalties for non-registration with PHERMC as a functioning health facility within the FCT?
All health facilities with the exception of standalone pharmacies are to be registered with PHERMC. Operating an illegal facility in FCT attracts immediate closure with a penalty of N250,000 and/or jail time.
7When does the PHERMC Annual License for my healthcare facility elapse?
Facility Owners should note that facility annual license elapses on the 31st of December of the same year. Renewal of registration will be required from the 1st of January of the following year.
8If I have two differently located facilities – one main and another annex – with same name will a single registration cover for the two?
No, both facilities must be registered as different entities even though they can bear the same name. The three differentiating criteria for the facilities will be the name of the operating officers, the location (address) and the PHERMC registration number even if owned by the same individual(s) or corporate entity.
Health
Professionals
1Can a health professional cover more than one facility?
Yes, but not more than two (2) facilities and the distance between the facilities should not be more than forty-five (45) minutes’ drive between the facilities.
2What is the minimum number of years of experience for a health professional to supervise a hospital?
Ten (10) years post qualification (Reference from MDCN).
3What is minimum number of health professionals required for a health facility?
This depends on the number of beds and the type of services the health facility provides.
4Can Community a Health Extension Workers (CHEWs), Embryologist or a Medical Laboratory Technician practice unsupervised?
NO
5Can a Nurse or a Midwife run a maternity home without a doctor’s supervision?
NO
Health
Facilities
1What is the minimum distance requirement between two facilities offering similar services?
The minimum distance requirement between two facilities offering similar services is 400 meters.
2How many Health facilities can a corporate entity register within an area council?
A corporate entity is allowed to register not more than two health facilities within an area council.
3Can health facilities be registered in any building?
- Hospital and General Outpatient clinics – Stand-alone Building with a dedicated entrance and exit
- Eye and Dental clinics – Standalone or Plaza
- Diagnostics Centre (Lab and Ultrasound) – Standalone or Plaza
