The Rivers State Ministry of Health has intensified its campaign against illegal healthcare operations, sealing six health facilities and arresting seven suspects for alleged involvement in child trafficking, the use of unqualified personnel, and other unethical medical practices.
The Chairman of the State Anti-Quackery Committee and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, disclosed this during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
According to Wachukwu, the affected facilities were shut down not only for operating without the required licences but also for engaging in activities that pose serious threats to public health and safety.
He explained that the latest enforcement exercise forms part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to sanitize the healthcare sector and protect residents from the dangers of quack medical practitioners.
“The facilities are not being sealed just because they are not registered. They are being sealed because they engage in nefarious and unprofessional activities,” he said.
The facilities affected include PLARIV Hospital and Good Shepherd Hospital in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area; Blessed Goodnews Clinic on Bonny Street, Port Harcourt; Estate Clinic in Okahia Estate, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area; EL DONA Hospital in Obio/Akpor; and several patent medicine stores in Ndele, Emohua Local Government Area.
Wachukwu revealed that EL DONA Hospital was sealed over its alleged involvement in child trafficking. He added that the ministry would work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure the diligent prosecution of all suspects arrested in connection with the case.
The Permanent Secretary commended the police for their support during the investigation and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to eliminating illegal medical practices across Rivers State’s 23 local government areas.
He noted that the anti-quackery campaign, which has been running for more than two years, has led to the closure of several illegal hospitals and diagnostic centres, with a number of operators currently facing prosecution.
Expressing confidence in the success of the initiative, Wachukwu said the committee was making significant progress in its efforts to eradicate quackery and other sharp practices within the health sector.
He also reiterated the state government’s ban on unauthorized medical outreaches, warning non-governmental organisations, religious groups, and other bodies against conducting free medical services without prior approval from the Ministry of Health.
Wachukwu urged residents to seek treatment only from licensed healthcare providers and to report suspected cases of illegal medical practice to the appropriate authorities.
