The Rivers State Government has shut down six private hospitals, including a facility operated by a foreigner, for operating without authorisation and engaging in unprofessional conduct.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, disclosed this during a media briefing in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
According to her, the sealed facilities were employing unqualified personnel.
Oreh also mentioned that those engaging in unethical conduct often site these facilities outside Port Harcourt to conceal their illegal activities and even carry out surgeries without the requisite personnel, facilities, and supervision, thereby endangering the lives of unsuspecting patients.
The sealed facilities, as listed by the commissioner include: ‘Parley Hospital and Maternity’ in Ogale, ‘Success Maternity’ in Aleto, and ‘Noble Life Maternity and Computer Test’ in Aleto, all in the Eleme Local Government Area of the state.
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Others are ‘Futurist Medical Centre’ in Omagwa, Ikwerre LGA, ‘Godbless Hospital’ in Kom-kom, and ‘ASHA Specialist Hospital’ on La Quinta Street, Afam, both in Oyigbo LGA of the state.
The commissioner pointed out that, “If you observe the trend, a lot of them are moving out of the main city of Port Harcourt, perhaps to evade notice and avoid being brought to book by the authorities.”
She thereby warned medical doctors and pharmacies against crossing the lines of ethical practices by collaborating with quacks to perpetrate such unprofessional acts, which have resulted in deaths.
“We also warn medical doctors and other health workers who collaborate, train, and collude with quacks and facilities run by unqualified practitioners against crossing the lines of ethical medical practice.
“We also take this opportunity to caution pharmacies and chemist shops that have illegally extended their services to include consultation and the administration of intravenous medications, as well as admitting patients, to desist from such practices or face consequences,” Oreh warned.
The commissioner urged all unregistered facilities to visit the Rivers State Ministry of Health to understand the conditions and criteria for registration, reiterating that the state government maintains zero tolerance for quacks and unregistered facilities.
She added that the Rivers State Contributory Health Program is functional and active, following Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s approval of its launch in January 2024, and advised members of the public to enroll to enjoy the benefits of revitalized health services in the state’s public sector.
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