Rivers Govt Seals 6 Healthcare Facilities For Quackery, Child Trafficking

Rivers State government has sealed six health facilities in different parts of the state and arrested six persons for quackery and trafficking in children.

The permanent  secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr Vincent Wachukwu, disclosed this yesterday when he briefed journalists in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Wachukwu stated that the feat was achieved by the anti-quackery committee of the ministry, made up of state health officials and members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

He stated that while five of the healthcare facilities were sealed for quackery, one, El-Dona Hospital, Port Harcourt was sealed for both quackery and child trafficking.

The permanent secretary said those sealed for only quackery are:  Plariv Hospital and Good Shepherd Hospital, all in Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of the state.

Others are Blessed Good News Clinic, Port Harcourt and Estate Clinic, Port Harcourt as well as Patent Drug Shop in Ndele in Emohua LGA.

Wachukwu stated that apart from sealing El-Dona Hospital, all members of staff of the facility were immediately arrested for prosecution.

“Plariv Hospital, Kreigeni road, Omoku, ONELGA, a 10 – bedded facility. Facility run by Mr Philip Anjul, unlicensed medical practitioner from Jos, Plateau State.

“He conducts surgeries without training or license. He runs a training institution for 60 quack nurses. Registration and Certificate of Standards revoked. The facility sealed up. The proprietor arrested for prosecution.

“Good Shepherd Hospital, Nkaru Street, Omoku, ONELGA, a 10 – bedded facility. Run by Mr Onanefe Sagoh, alleged to be a Psychology graduate from ABSU (Abia State University)

“He practises  with fake MDCN (Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria) license. He conducts surgeries without training and runs training institution for 20 quack nurses.

“Mr Sagoh was arrested for prosecution on charges of impersonation and certificate forgery. The facility was sealed up. The registration and certificate of standards revoked.

“Blessed Goodnews Clinic, 31 Bonny street, Port Harcourt. The facility registered with rented license and run by non-medical practitioner named Mr Atisi. On arrival, Mr Atisi was at large and in patients had no medical review or treatment plan after 48 hrs on admission.

“Surgeries conducted by unlicensed practitioners and the clinic also serves in training of 25 quack nurses. The facility was sealed up. Doctors with rented certificates to face MDCN investigation for infamous conduct. Warrant of arrest for Mr. Atisi for impersonation and practicing medicine without training and license.

“Estate Clinic, Okahia Estate, off East West Road, Obio/Akpor LGA. Operating without registration. Clinic run by unlicensed health personnels. Breaking open a facility sealed by the Ministry of Health.

All members of staff of the facility were immediately arrested for prosecution. The facility sealed up. The facility sealed up. Operator was summoned through community leaders to the Ministry of Health for further investigation.

“Patent drug shop in Ndele, Emohua LGA. Operated by one Mrs Christain, who was alleged to have administered some injectable medication to a 26 year old young lady that led to her death. The facility sealed up. Operator was summoned through community leaders to the Ministry of Health for further investigation.

“EL DONA Hospital, Obio/Akpor. Operating without Registration. Child trafficking. All members of staff of the facility were immediately arrested for prosecution. Facility sealed up,”  the permanent secretary said.