In its ongoing crackdown on quacks, the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services has shut down 12 unlicensed hospitals and clinics in Buruku, Ushongo and Kwande local government areas.
The exercise, led by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Beatrice Tsavmbu, informed that the facilities were closed due to lack of operational licences, poor sanitary conditions and non-compliance with government regulations
Our correspondent gathered that the permanent secretary including the director of Medical Services, Agbadu Joshua; director of Public Health, Esther Menger and director of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Anyebe Boniface, were out to end the scourge of quackery in the state.
Some of the illegal facilities shut down included De Poloo Community Health Centre, Uli Dispensary, City Community Health Centre and Tomkenti Community Health Centre, all in Ushongo LGA.
In Buruku LGA, Ella Community Health Centre, Tyowanye, and St. William Community Health Centre, Abwa, were also shut down.
In Kwande LGA, the ministry sealed Luter Clinic and Maternity in Ikyogen following a petition by community leaders alleging that the hospital was a threat to the lives of community members.
Others include Akumator Tsaha Community Health Centre, where a woman recently died after giving birth to twins, Primary Health Centre, Adagi, Ahobee Memorial Hospital, Divine Community Health Centre, and Tor Chibee Community Health Centre.
These facilities were shut down for offences ranging from lack of operational licences to poor equipment, poor hygiene and sanitary conditions, and non-compliance with government regulations.
Tsavmbu, who expressed concern over the proliferation of illegal health facilities, warned the public against patronising them, saying doing so is the same as signing your death warrant.
According to her, the ministry will not relent until quackery is completely eradicated in the state health system.
She said, “This operation aligns with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s agenda to renovate, equip, and upgrade public health centres across the state, stressing that the government would no longer tolerate substandard health practices.”
The team also made an unscheduled visit to Mbagen College of Health Technology and Mbagen Community Hospital in Abwa all in Buruku LG where they commended the management for maintaining high standards.
