By Omolara Akintoye
The Rivers State Government has taken decisive action against unauthorized medical practices, sealing six healthcare facilities accused of operating illegally and engaging in unethical conduct. This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, where she outlined the latest actions of the Ministry of Health’s Anti-Quackery Committee.
According to Dr. Oreh, the affected facilities, located outside Port Harcourt, were found to be run by unlicensed and unqualified individuals performing medical procedures, including surgeries, without the necessary skills, equipment, or supervision. These operations posed significant risks to public health, with the added concern that several of these facilities were training others in unlawful medical practices.
“The operators of these facilities have not only been providing substandard and dangerous medical services to unsuspecting members of the public, but they have also gone further by training others, thereby proliferating quackery within the state,” Dr. Oreh said.
The facilities shut down include Parley Hospital and Maternity, Ogale;
Success Maternity, Aleto; and
Noble Life Maternity and Computer Test, Aleto all in Eleme Local Government Area (LGA).
Others are : Futurist Medical Centre, Omagwa, Ikwerre LGA; Godbless Hospital and ASHA Specialist Hospital, both located in Oyigbo LGA.
Details of Unlawful Practices
The infractions committed by these facilities range from performing surgeries without proper documentation or supervision, operating unsanitary environments, to using unregulated prescription drugs. Some were also found to be falsely presenting themselves as licensed medical doctors or specialists. In one particularly egregious case, Godbless Hospital was reportedly run by two foreigners and a Nigerian, with allegations of reusing medical equipment such as syringes and needles, endangering patients’ lives.
Individuals involved include
Dr. John Friday Ogundayo of Parley Hospital, accused of performing unsupervised surgeries and running a training school for quacks.
Mrs. Okey-Orji a retired nurse running Success Maternity, who posed as a doctor while operating an unregistered facility.
Mr. Hycinth Ekpemor a homeopathic practitioner at Noble Life Maternity, accused of using prescription drugs illegally.
Mr. Future Amoiyo, a B.Sc. Agriculture graduate operating Futurist Medical Centre as an outpatient clinic and training school for quacks.
Dr. Kim and colleagues, alleged foreign nationals running Godbless Hospital with no qualified or registered medical personnel.
Dr. Temple Gimbe Baridumene operating ASHA Specialist Hospital, who allegedly had no registration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and conducted surgeries unsupervised.
Government’s Warning to Other Practitioners
The Health Commissioner reiterated the state’s zero-tolerance policy on quackery and unregistered medical facilities, warning that all healthcare providers must meet the necessary registration requirements. “We are sending a clear message that any individual or facility that chooses to operate outside the legal framework will be shut down,” she stressed.
Dr. Oreh also warned licensed medical professionals and pharmacies against collaborating with unqualified practitioners, highlighting that such actions would result in severe penalties. She further cautioned pharmacies and chemists against extending their services to medical consultations and the administration of intravenous treatments, as this falls outside their legal scope.
Efforts to Strengthen Healthcare
The Commissioner noted that the anti-quackery initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure the provision of safe and high-quality healthcare services in Rivers State. She emphasized that the government is committed to enhancing the primary healthcare and referral system, as well as strengthening emergency medical services. These measures are in line with Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s mandate to make healthcare accessible, affordable, and safe for all residents.
Dr. Oreh confirmed that the Ministry’s Anti-Quackery Committee will continue its operations in collaboration with security agencies to ensure full compliance with medical regulations and protect the public from the dangers of quack medical practices.
