The Rivers State Government has shut down five hospitals and a patent medicine store across the state, arresting seven suspects over alleged child trafficking, illegal medical practices, and unlicensed training programmes.
Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, Chairman of the State Anti-Quackery Committee, disclosed the development in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, noting that the crackdown followed discreet investigations supported by security agencies after public reports.
Among the sealed facilities was EL DONA Hospital in Elekahia, Port Harcourt, where the proprietor allegedly deceived mothers by claiming their babies had died during childbirth, only to exchange the infants with dead ones and sell the living babies.
“All members of staff were arrested, and the facility has been sealed,” Wachukwu confirmed.
Other affected facilities include PLARIV Hospital in Omoku, Good Shepherd Hospital in Omoku, Blessed GoodNews Clinic in Port Harcourt, ESTATE Clinic in Obio/Akpor, and a patent medicine store in Ndele, Emohua LGA.
One case involved a 20-year-old girl who reportedly died after being injected by an untrained operator.Investigations also revealed that PLARIV Hospital was run by a non-medical practitioner who allegedly performed surgeries and operated an unapproved training school for auxiliary nurses, with over 60 trainees found on site.
Wachukwu commended the police, DSS, NSCDC, and the media for supporting the anti-quackery campaign, stressing that the government would ensure suspects face prosecution.
He warned that any hospital, NGO, or religious body planning free medical outreach must obtain approval from the Ministry of Health or risk sanctions.
“This fight against quackery is ongoing, and despite attempts to evade detection, we are making significant progress with stakeholder support,” he said.
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