The Rivers State Government has sealed several health facilities following allegations of child trafficking, illegal medical practice and the use of unqualified personnel.
The state Ministry of Health said the action followed investigations by its Anti-Quackery Committee, supported by security agencies. One of the facilities, EL DONA Hospital in Elekahia, Port Harcourt, was sealed after an investigation reportedly linked its operator to the alleged illegal exchange and sale of newborn babies.
According to the ministry, the operator allegedly deceived mothers into believing that their babies had died during childbirth before exchanging the living babies with dead infants. The allegations remain subject to investigation and prosecution.
The government said five hospitals and a patent medicine store were among the facilities shut during the operation, while seven suspects were arrested. The affected facilities were located in Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Emohua and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Vincent Wachukwu, said some of the facilities were operated by people without the required medical qualifications or licences. He also warned residents to patronise only properly registered healthcare facilities.
The ministry said its anti-quackery campaign would continue across the state to protect residents and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.
Leave a comment