By Julian Osamoto
The Rivers State Government has sealed eight health facilities and arrested four people over alleged medical quackery, impersonation and operating without registration.
The enforcement exercise followed the recent closure of 21 facilities over alleged quackery and child trafficking, as the state intensifies efforts to regulate healthcare delivery.
In one of the latest discoveries, enforcement officers uncovered an illegal health facility operating inside a residential compound at Number 27 Victoria Street. According to the Rivers State Ministry of Health, two suspects were allegedly preparing to perform a thyroidectomy on a patient in a dark operating theatre.
The ministry identified the suspects as Ataisi Jephtha, who allegedly posed as a surgeon, and Mgboawaji Edwin. Officials arrested both men for prosecution and immediately sealed the facility.
A thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part or all of the thyroid gland, which sits in the neck. The procedure requires qualified medical professionals and appropriate clinical facilities.
Beyond the Victoria Street discovery, the inspection team sealed five other hospitals and two laboratory centres for allegedly operating without registration and failing to meet minimum healthcare standards.
In a statement by the ministry’s Press Officer, Ednah Alete, the Permanent Secretary, Vincent Wachukwu, warned that licensed medical practitioners could also face sanctions if they work in unregistered or substandard facilities.
Wachukwu said a professional licence does not automatically authorise a practitioner to operate in a facility that has not met regulatory requirements. He added that practitioners who violate the guidelines of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria risk penalties under applicable regulations.
The ministry urged residents to verify the registration of healthcare facilities and check practitioners’ qualifications before seeking treatment or undergoing surgery.
It says inspections and enforcement operations would continue to curb medical quackery, strengthen healthcare regulation and protect residents from unsafe medical practices.
