The Rivers State Government has sealed off a hospital in Omagwa, Ikwerre Local Government Area, run by an agriculturist.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adarze Oreh, at a press briefing, said the hospital is among the six health facilities recently sealed by the state’s Anti-Quackery Committee, established by the Ministry of Health in April.
She said the development is part of the government’s ongoing crackdown on illegal medical facilities in the state.
Among the facilities shut down is an unregistered clinic in Ogale, Eleme, where the operator not only provided medical services without proper supervision but also ran an educational program to train unlicensed practitioners.
The operator, lacking the necessary qualifications, was unable to meet the standards required for a full medical license.
Another facility in Aleto, Eleme, was run by a retired nurse with a PhD.
It was gathered that despite her educational background, the nurse had no legal certification to operate a medical center and also ran a school on the side.
In the same area, another unlicensed practitioner also ran a clinic, further fueling concerns about quackery in the state.
Similarly, a facility in Komkom, Oyigbo, managed by two foreigners and a Nigerian, was found to be recycling syringes and needles, posing severe public health risks.
A sixth facility in the Afam area of Oyigbo was run by a Nigerian with foreign medical training but no certification from Nigerian medical authorities, nor a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
The Commissioner expressed concern that these illegal facilities did not only provide substandard healthcare services but also train others in their dangerous practices.
She noted that the locations of the sealed medical facilities indicate that unregistered health centers are increasingly moving to the outskirts of the state capital.
She urged operators of such facilities to come forward for proper certification and warned that the state would not tolerate quackery.
She also reminded the public that the state’s contributory health insurance scheme, launched in January, is fully operational, offering citizens access to affordable and standard medical care.
The Commissioner explained that the Anti-Quackery Committee’s actions have been carried out in collaboration with security agencies in order to make arrest and prosecute when necessary.
She emphasized that the state government, under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, is committed to improving healthcare access, particularly in undeserved areas.
She highlighted the recent launch of a medical oxygen plant at the General Hospital in Eleme in partnership with foreign donors, as an example of ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure across the state.
In a bid to prevent further fall in the standard of medical care, the Commissioner issued new guidelines for individuals and organizations planning to offer free medical services.
She said such persons are required to seek clearance and approval from the Ministry of Health before conducting any outreach.
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