By kawaekwune Jeffrey
The Rivers State Government has closed six medical facilities reportedly being operated by unauthorized medical practitioners.
The affected six medical facilities include a hospital in Omagwa, Ikwerre Local Government Area, said to be run by an agriculturist.
Addressing a press briefing on Thursday, Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adarze Oreh, said the action is part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal healthcare centres.
Oreh revealed that these facilities were sealed off by the Anti-Quackery Committee, which was established by the Ministry of Health in April to tackle the rising menace of unlicensed practitioners in the state.
Among the sealed centres is a clinic in Ogale, Eleme, where the operator did not only provide medical services without proper supervision but was also said to run an educational program for training unqualified personnel.
The Commissioner lamented that the situation of health facilities in the state has deteriorated due to unqualified persons running hospitals and clinics.
She stated: “It is unacceptable that individuals without the requisite qualifications are operating healthcare facilities, endangering the lives of innocent citizens. This government will not tolerate quackery in any form,”
It would be recalled that the Rivers State health authorities have intensified efforts to rid Rivers of quack medical practitioners. The Anti-Quackery Committee, working alongside security agencies, had recently been tasked with identifying and shutting down these illegal operations while prosecuting the culprits where necessary.
Dr Oreh also highlighted the dangerous practices uncovered during inspections.
She said: “In one of the facilities in Oyigbo, we found operators recycling syringes and needles, posing severe risks to public health. Such practices are not only dangerous but criminal, and we will ensure that the full force of the law is applied.”
In accelerated efforts to prevent a decline in healthcare standards, the Commissioner issued new guidelines requiring individuals and organizations intending to offer free medical services to seek approval from the Ministry of Health before embarking on any outreach.
She added: “We have set up this committee to ensure that health facilities are compliant with regulatory standards, and those who fail to meet these standards will face the consequences.”
The commissioner added that the Rivers State government is committed to enhancing healthcare infrastructure.
