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PORT HARCOURT – The Rivers State Government has stepped up its campaign against illegal healthcare operators, arresting seven suspected quacks and shutting down six health facilities found to be operating in violation of established medical regulations.
The operation, led by the Anti-Quackery Committee of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, uncovered a range of infractions, including the operation of unlicensed facilities, the use of unqualified personnel, and alleged involvement in child trafficking.
The enforcement exercise is part of sustained efforts to rid the state of illegal medical practices, strengthen regulatory compliance, and ensure residents have access to safe and quality healthcare services.
Chairman of the committee and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, explained that the affected facilities are located in different parts of the state, both within and outside the state capital.
Wachukwu noted that several facilities had previously been shut down and suspects arrested, with some of the cases still undergoing prosecution.
He said, “The fight against quackery has been on for over two years, and we have recorded significant progress. We have sealed numerous hospitals and diagnostic centres and arrested operators who are currently facing prosecution.
“In this latest operation, six healthcare facilities were sealed and seven persons arrested.”
The Permanent Secretary identified the affected facilities as PLARIV Hospital on Kreigeni Road, Omoku, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area; Good Shepherd Hospital on Nkaru Street, Omoku; Blessed Goodnews Clinic at 31 Bonny Street, Port Harcourt; Estate Clinic, Okahia Estate, off East-West Road, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area; EL DONA Hospital in Obio/Akpor; as well as some patent medicine stores in Ndele, Emohua Local Government Area.
He noted that the committee’s enforcement activities span all 23 local government areas of the state, stressing that the campaign against quackery is not limited to Port Harcourt and its environs.
He expressed confidence that the state was making steady progress in its efforts to rid the healthcare sector of unqualified practitioners and unethical operators.
“By God’s grace, and with the support of stakeholders and the public, I believe we are winning the fight against quackery. The Anti-Quackery Committee has continued to identify and deal decisively with unwholesome practices across Rivers State. We are concerned about what happens in the entire state, not just Port Harcourt.
”Now, we have gone to some local governments outside Port Harcourt and Obi/ Akpor, and a few health facilities have been sealed. They are not being sealed just because they are not registered; they are being sealed because they engage in nefarious and unprofessional activities, ” he added.
Speaking at the EL DONA Hospital, which was shut down over alleged involvement in child trafficking, Wachukwu commended the Nigeria Police for its swift intervention in the case and pledged the ministry’s full support to ensure thorough investigation and prosecution of those arrested.
He said the ministry would continue to collaborate with relevant security agencies to curb criminal activities masquerading as healthcare services and protect vulnerable members of the public.
The permanent secretary also reiterated the state government’s ban on unauthorised medical outreaches, warning individuals, religious organisations, non-governmental organisations, and healthcare providers against conducting such programmes without prior approval from the Ministry of Health.
Wachukwu stated, ”Recall that in all our briefings, we have always warned NGOs, religious bodies, and whatever group that before you carry out any free medical outreach in Rivers State, you must obtain permission and approval from the Ministry of Health, but some of them are going contrary to this directive.
“So let me use this medium now to warn and reiterate that any individual, any hospital, any organization that wishes to carry out any free medical outreach must obtain permission from the Ministry of Health.”
