The Rivers State Ministry of Health Anti-Quackery Committee says it has sealed 72 illegal hospitals and arrested 12 suspected fake doctors operating in the state.
Chairman of the committee and Director of Medical Services at the Ministry, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, disclosed this during a media briefing at the State Secretariat in Port Harcourt on Thursday, August 28.
Dr. Wachukwu said the action followed reports from residents, civil society groups, and religious bodies about quack medical facilities endangering lives across the state.
“Since inauguration, our mandate has been to identify quacks, seal unqualified facilities, make arrests, and prosecute offenders. So far, 72 hospitals have been sealed, and 12 persons arrested. Some quacks have confessed and pledged to stop the illegal practice,” Wachukwu said.
He added that the crackdown has already reduced the number of poorly handled cases referred to tertiary hospitals.
Among the sealed facilities were: “Sosan Medical Centre and Laboratory/School of Nursing – Off Okporo Road. The facility operated without professional staff or certification and was running cancer care and family health services illegally.
“Bristol Clinic and Maternity, Rumuodomaya – Run by an impersonator, Mr. Kingsley Ugwu, who was arrested for quackery and impersonation.
“Adoration Hospital and Maternity Ltd, Omegwa – Managed by a doctor just one month out of internship and 10 auxiliary trainees.
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“Lucky Pharmacy, Omegwa – Owned by an auxiliary nurse, Lucky Nnamdi, who allegedly ran consultations and administered IV infusions.
Other cases include a patent medicine dealer at Aluu, Miss Rejoice Ogbia, who was warned against administering intravenous medications and traditional birth attendant services.
Dr. Wachukwu also recalled the case of a hospital in Oyigbo Local Government Area run by a Korean national, who was arrested by the DSS and later deported.
He warned health workers aiding quack practices, religious bodies, and NGOs against unauthorised medical operations, stressing that such actions damage the profession’s image and endanger lives.
Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Rivers State branch, Dr. Tamunokuro Diamond, pledged the association’s support for the government’s clampdown.
“The NMA will not defend any doctor found culpable in quackery. If you are not registered with the Ministry of Health or operating in an uncertified facility, you will be arrested and prosecuted. Our collective responsibility is to protect lives and sanitise the health sector,” he said.
The state government urged the public to take advantage of the RIVCHPP scheme, which provides access to quality healthcare, while also appealing to media houses to stop airing adverts for unlicensed medical facilities.
