The Rivers State Government has shut down a health facility after a woman, Mrs. Victoria Paris, tragically died during a caesarean section at the hospital. The procedure was allegedly performed by unlicensed health workers. The Anti-Quackery Committee, led by Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, conducted an unannounced inspection, revealing that the facility was a poorly converted maternity clinic. It was not equipped to perform surgeries and lacked certified medical personnel.
The clinic, originally a 3-bedroom apartment turned into a 6-bed maternity unit, was found to have been illegally expanded into a full hospital. The facility had been using auxiliary health officers, who were not licensed to perform medical procedures, including surgeries. During the inspection, the committee found several critical issues, including the absence of licensed nurses and proper sterilization units, which are essential for safe medical practice.
Dr. Wachukwu, who also serves as the Director of Medical Services, revoked the hospital’s registration and ordered its immediate closure. In addition, all health workers associated with the facility, including doctors, were summoned for questioning by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). Dr. Diamond Tamunokuro, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Rivers State, condemned the practice of doctors operating in substandard facilities and expressed concern over the safety of patients.
This closure is part of ongoing efforts by the Rivers State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Nigerian Medical Association and other healthcare organizations, to combat quackery and ensure safe healthcare practices across the state.
