The Rivers State Government has closed down a hospital in Omagwa, Ikwerre Local Government Area, operated by an agriculturist, as part of its crackdown on illegal medical facilities.
During a press briefing, Rivers State Health Commissioner, Dr. Adarze Oreh, revealed that the hospital is one of six facilities recently sealed by the state’s Anti-Quackery Committee, formed by the Ministry of Health in April.m
Among the closed facilities is an unregistered clinic in Ogale, Eleme, where the operator, lacking proper supervision and qualifications, also ran an educational program to train unlicensed practitioners.
Another facility in Aleto, Eleme, was managed by a retired nurse with a PhD, but without legal certification to operate a medical center. Similarly, a clinic in Komkom, Oyigbo, was found recycling syringes and needles, posing public health risks. A sixth facility, operated by a foreign-trained Nigerian without local certification, was also shut down.
Dr. Oreh expressed concern over these illegal operations and warned that the state would not tolerate quackery. She urged operators to seek proper certification and highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare, including the recent opening of a medical oxygen plant in Eleme.
New guidelines were also issued, requiring individuals and organizations planning to offer free medical services to seek clearance from the Ministry of Health.
