The Rivers State Government has taken decisive action against unregistered and substandard health facilities, shutting down 21 establishments and arresting three individuals. This move follows a comprehensive surveillance of over 150 health facilities operating without proper registration and supervision across four local government areas, including Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, and Etche. The exercise was conducted by the Rivers State Ministry of Health's anti-quackery committee.
According to Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the affected facilities included eight hospitals, five maternity homes, and eight diagnostic centers. A staggering 19 of these facilities were found to be operating without registration, while one, despite being registered, failed to meet the minimum standards set by the Ministry of Health. The committee's findings revealed a dire situation, with many facilities lacking licensed medical practitioners and basic infrastructure.
The shut-down facilities included Manda Hospital at Elelenwo, Vasty Clinic at Omoku, and Danny Clinic in Port Harcourt township, among others. Notably, Manda Hospital at Igwuruta was found to be involved in suspected child trafficking, with a Liberian national revealing the procurement of three children within a month from the facility. The operators were arrested by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and the facility was sealed off.
Further investigations revealed that some facility operators had no medical training or licenses. For instance, Havilla Hospital in Igwuruta was run by Mr. Isaac, who claimed to be a doctor trained in Ukraine but lacked a Medical and Dental Council license. He was arrested and will be referred to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for further action. Similarly, Ola Oluwa Medical Centre in Igwuruta was operated by Mr. Sunday Ogundele, who has no medical training and runs the facility from his family residence.
Dr. Wachukwu expressed concern that only about 20% of registered health facilities in the state comply with the mandatory annual inspection and renewal of their certificates of standards. This low compliance rate highlights the need for stricter regulation and monitoring of health facilities in Rivers State. The Ministry of Health has assured the public that it will continue to take decisive action against substandard health facilities.
The Rivers State Government's action is a significant step towards ensuring the quality and safety of healthcare services in the state. The shut-down facilities will remain closed until they meet the required standards and obtain the necessary registrations. The arrested individuals will face prosecution for their offenses. The Ministry of Health has urged the public to report any suspicious or unregistered health facilities to the authorities.
The move has been welcomed by stakeholders, who have called for sustained efforts to regulate the health sector and protect the well-being of citizens. The Rivers State Government has assured that it will continue to prioritize the health and safety of its citizens.
Key points
- 21 health facilities shut down for operating below standards
- 3 persons arrested for prosecution
- Low compliance rate with mandatory annual inspection and renewal of certificates of standards
