The Rivers State Ministry of Health has sealed eight health facilities and arrested four persons over alleged quackery, impersonation and the operation of unregistered facilities during its October inspection and enforcement exercise.
The latest action comes one week after the ministry announced the closure of 21 health facilities across four local government areas for operating illegally or failing to meet the required standards.
The ministry said a major discovery during the latest exercise was an illegal health facility operating within a residential compound at 27 Victoria Street, where two suspected quacks, identified as Mr. Ataisi Jephtha and Mrs. Mgboawaji Edwin, were allegedly apprehended while attempting to perform a thyroidectomy on an unsuspecting patient.
According to the ministry, Jephtha, who allegedly posed as a surgeon, and his accomplice, were immediately arrested and the facility sealed.
The ministry’s Press Officer, Edna Alete, said five other hospitals and two laboratory centres were also shut down for operating below minimum standards and without registration.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, warned that licensed medical practitioners working in unregistered or substandard facilities would also face penalties in line with the guidelines of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.