In Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Government has taken action to seal a hospital that was operating illegally. Dr. Wachukwu Vincent, the Director of Medical Services at the Rivers State Ministry of Health, spoke to the press on Sunday after sealing the Divine Love Hospital located at Rumuodara along the Okporo road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state. He disclosed that the Ministry’s team discovered a deceased patient who had undergone a failed appendectomy procedure at the hospital.
Dr. Wachukwu described the hospital as unsuitable to even be considered a maternity home and stated that the facility’s owner will face prosecution. He also mentioned that an investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the patient’s death.
He further warned about the upcoming inauguration of an anti-quackery committee by the state government, aimed at cracking down on similar illegal facilities. Dr. Wachukwu emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health of the people in Rivers state.
“We received information about the presence of an illegal hospital in this area. Upon investigation, our team confirmed the existence of the facility. Upon arrival, they found a deceased patient who had undergone appendectomy in an environment that does not meet the standards of a maternity home, let alone a hospital,” Dr. Wachukwu stated.
He added, “Our current governor, Siminalayi Fubara, prioritizes the health of the people of Rivers state. He has directed that such establishments should not be operational, which is why we are here to shut down this facility.”
“We intend to prosecute the so-called hospital owner. We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the patient’s death. If found guilty, they will be prosecuted,” he affirmed.
Dr. Wachukwu also issued a stern warning to others engaged in similar activities, urging them to cease such practices. He highlighted the imminent inauguration of the anti-quackery committee, which will receive full support from the state government in rooting out illegal facilities throughout the state.
The hospital’s operator was identified as Cornelius Alozie. Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has reiterated its firm stance against medical malpractice and quackery in the state.
Dr. Ebi Robinson, the NMA state chairman, emphasized the necessity of practicing in hygienic environments, deeming any other practice unacceptable.
Robinson, alongside officials from the state Ministry of Health, conducted an inspection which revealed that the hospital lacked registration with the Ministry.
“We have joined hands with the Ministry of Health to shut down this unregistered facility. The Director of the Medical Service Unit found issues with the documentation and certification of the medical practitioner,” Robinson explained.
He announced the establishment of a medical vigilance unit for the public to report any inconsistencies in medical treatment. Robinson stressed that more hospitals could face closure if found to be non-compliant.
“We are creating a Medical Vigilant Unit where the public can lodge complaints regarding any malpractice or inconsistencies in medical treatment. This initiative will aid us in gathering data, facilitating discussions, and taking necessary actions, including prosecution for any form of quackery,” he declared.
It was reported that the doctor has been detained by the Department of State Security (DSS).