The Rivers State Ministry of Health has sealed six healthcare facilities and arrested a number of suspected unqualified medical practitioners as part of its ongoing campaign against illegal medical practice in the state.
The Chairman of the Rivers State Interprofessional Anti-Quackery Committee, Mr Vincent Wachukwu, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Wachukwu said the anti-quackery campaign, which has been in operation for more than two years, has achieved significant results through the closure of illegal hospitals and diagnostic centres, as well as the arrest and prosecution of individuals accused of engaging in unauthorised medical practice.
According to him, recent enforcement operations conducted in Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Emohua, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas led to the closure of several facilities following intelligence reports, whistleblower information and complaints from members of the public.
He revealed that one of the affected facilities, Plariv Hospital in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, was allegedly operated by an individual without medical qualifications.
Wachukwu claimed that the operator carried out surgical procedures despite lacking the required professional certification and licence to practise medicine.
He further alleged that the facility served as a training centre for more than 60 auxiliary nursing students.
Another facility, Good Shepherd Hospital, also located in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, was sealed after investigations reportedly uncovered that it was being operated by an individual identified as Onanefe Sago, who allegedly practised medicine using forged credentials purportedly issued by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
The committee chairman also disclosed that Blessed Good News Clinic on Bonny Street in Port Harcourt was shut down following investigations which allegedly revealed that the facility was operated by persons without recognised medical qualifications.
According to him, the operators allegedly secured registration through the use of rented professional certificates and carried out surgical procedures while patients received inadequate medical care.
In Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Estate Clinic was sealed for allegedly operating without a valid registration certificate.
Wachukwu noted that the facility had previously been closed by government authorities but allegedly resumed operations after the operators broke official seals placed on the premises.
“Interestingly, the facility had previously been shut down but resumed operations after its operators allegedly broke government seals,” he said.
In another case, a patent medicine store in Ndele community, Emohua Local Government Area, was sealed following an incident that reportedly led to the death of a 20-year-old female secondary school graduate.
The committee chairman alleged that an unqualified operator administered an injection to the victim, resulting in fatal complications.
Meanwhile, Eldona Hospital in Elekahia, Port Harcourt, was sealed following investigations reportedly conducted by the Nigeria Police Force.
Wachukwu stated that the proprietor of the hospital was alleged to have been involved in child trafficking activities, including the illegal exchange and sale of newborn babies.
“It was alleged that the proprietor was involved in child trafficking, including the illegal exchange and sale of newborn babies,” he said.
He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to sanitising the healthcare sector and protecting residents from the dangers posed by unqualified practitioners.
Wachukwu also warned organisations planning to conduct medical outreaches within the state to obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Health before undertaking such activities.
In addition, he disclosed that the ministry had directed all duly registered hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state to prominently display their registration certificates and operational standards to enable members of the public identify legitimate healthcare providers.
The anti-quackery committee maintained that the crackdown would continue across the state as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery, safeguard patient safety and ensure compliance with professional and regulatory standards.
The Rivers State Ministry of Health has repeatedly expressed concern over the activities of unlicensed healthcare providers, warning that illegal medical practices pose serious risks to public health and undermine confidence in the healthcare system.
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