The Rivers State Government have shut down six private hospitals, including a facility operated by a foreigner, for operating without license and engaging in unprofessional conduct.
This was revealed by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt today, mentioning that the facilities were employing unqualified personnel for it's operations.
The Commissioner also stated the government have noticed that those engaging in unethical conduct often pitch their tent outside Port Harcourt, the state capital, in other to carry out their illegal activities and even carry out surgeries without the requisite personnel, facilities, and supervision, thereby endangering the lives of patients.
The commissioner listed out the sealed facilities as follows: ‘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.
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.
Dr. Oreh gave a stern warning to medical doctors and pharmacies against crossing the lines of ethical practices by collaborating with quacks for unprofessional acts, which have always resulted to complications on the part of patients and sometimes death.
She said: "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,”.
The commissioner further 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 in the state and those found wanting will face the law.
Oreh stated that the Rivers State Contributory Health Programme is functional and active, following Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s approval of its launch in January 2024, and advised members of the public to enrol to enjoy the benefits of revitalized health care services made available in the state’s public health sector.
