The Rivers State Government has shut down a hospital in Omagwa, Ikwerre Local Government Area, that was run by an agriculturist.
This action is part of a campaign against illegal medical facilities in the state.
Dr. Adarze Oreh, the Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, shared the news during a press briefing in her office.
She said, “The hospital is among the six health facilities recently sealed by the state’s Anti-Quackery Committee, which was established by the Ministry of Health in April.”
Among the closed facilities is an unregistered clinic in Ogale, Eleme, where the operator provided medical services without proper supervision and even trained unlicensed practitioners. The operator did not have the necessary qualifications for a medical license.
Another facility in Aleto, Eleme, was run by a retired nurse with a PhD. However, she did not have legal certification to operate a medical center and also ran a school.
Dr. Oreh mentioned another unlicensed clinic in the same area, raising concerns about the growing issue of quackery in Rivers State. She noted, “A facility in Komkom, Oyigbo, was managed by two foreigners and a Nigerian who were found recycling syringes and needles, posing severe public health risks.”
Additionally, a clinic in Afam, Oyigbo, was run by a Nigerian with foreign medical training but lacked certification from Nigerian medical authorities and did not have a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
Dr. Oreh expressed her worry about the illegal facilities, stating, “These places do not only provide substandard healthcare but also train others in dangerous practices.” She pointed out that these unregistered centers are increasingly moving to the outskirts of the state capital.
The Commissioner urged operators of such facilities to seek proper certification and warned that the state would not tolerate quackery. She also reminded the public about the state’s contributory health insurance scheme, which is now fully operational, providing citizens with access to affordable and quality medical care.
Dr. Oreh explained that the Anti-Quackery Committee works with security agencies to make arrests and prosecute offenders when necessary. She emphasized the commitment of the state government, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, to improving healthcare access in underserved areas.
As part of the efforts to enhance healthcare, she highlighted the recent launch of a medical oxygen plant at the General Hospital in Eleme, done in partnership with foreign donors. To maintain high standards in medical care, the Commissioner issued new guidelines for anyone planning to offer free medical services, requiring them to seek approval from the Ministry of Health before conducting any outreach.
