The Rivers State Ministry of Health has sealed eight health facilities and arrested four persons during its October inspection and enforcement exercise targeting quackery and illegal medical practices.
The exercise led to the discovery of an illegal health facility operating within a residential compound at No. 27 Victoria Street, where two suspects, identified as Mr Ataisi Jephtha and Mrs Mgboawaji Edwin, were allegedly apprehended while attempting to perform a thyroidectomy on an unsuspecting patient.
According to the ministry, Jephtha, who allegedly paraded himself as a surgeon, and his accomplice were immediately arrested, while the facility was sealed.
Read Also: rivchpp-urges-retirees-to-access-health-insurance-benefits-targets-111865-enrollees
The ministry also shut down five other hospitals and two laboratory centres for operating below the required minimum standards and without registration.
The ministry said the four persons arrested would be prosecuted for alleged quackery, impersonation and operating unregistered health facilities.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr Vincent Wachukwu, warned that licensed medical practitioners operating in unregistered or substandard facilities would also face penalties in accordance with the guidelines of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
Wachukwu reiterated the ministry’s commitment to enforcing healthcare standards and protecting residents from the dangers associated with unqualified practitioners and illegal medical facilities.
