The Rivers State Ministry of Health has intensified its campaign against illegal medical practices, shutting down six health facilities and arresting seven individuals over allegations ranging from child trafficking to the employment of unqualified personnel and other unethical activities.

The development was disclosed by the Chairman of the State Anti-Quackery Committee and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Vincent Wachukwu, during a press briefing held in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

According to Wachukwu, the affected facilities were not merely sealed for failing to obtain valid operational licences but were also found to be engaging in activities considered harmful to public health and contrary to professional medical standards.

He explained that the enforcement exercise forms part of the state government’s broader efforts to sanitise the healthcare sector, eliminate quackery and ensure residents have access to safe and professional medical services.

“The facilities are not being sealed just because they are not registered. They are being sealed because they engage in nefarious and unprofessional activities,” he stated.

Facilities Affected by the Clampdown

Wachukwu identified the affected facilities as PLARIV Hospital and Good Shepherd Hospital located in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, as well as Blessed Goodnews Clinic situated on Bonny Street in Port Harcourt.

Others include Estate Clinic in Okahia Estate, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, EL DONA Hospital in Obio/Akpor, and several patent medicine stores operating in Ndele, Emohua Local Government Area.

The permanent secretary revealed that EL DONA Hospital was specifically sealed due to allegations linking the facility to child trafficking activities.

He stated that the Ministry of Health would continue to collaborate closely with security agencies to ensure that those arrested in connection with the allegations are properly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Government Vows to Sustain Anti-Quackery Drive

Wachukwu commended the Nigeria Police Force for its support in ongoing investigations and enforcement operations, noting that the partnership has contributed significantly to the success of the anti-quackery campaign.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal medical practices across all 23 local government areas of Rivers State, stressing that the safety and well-being of residents remain a top priority.

According to him, the anti-quackery initiative has been running for more than two years and has resulted in the closure of numerous unlicensed hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres across the state.

He added that several operators of such facilities are currently facing prosecution for various offences related to illegal medical practice.

The health official expressed confidence that the committee’s sustained efforts would continue to yield positive results and significantly reduce the activities of unqualified healthcare providers operating within the state.

Warning Against Unauthorized Medical Outreach Programmes

Wachukwu also reiterated the state government’s prohibition of unauthorised medical outreach programmes conducted without official approval from the Ministry of Health.

He warned non-governmental organisations, faith-based groups, charitable organisations and other bodies against organising free medical services or healthcare interventions without obtaining the necessary clearance from the ministry.

According to him, such programmes, if not properly regulated, could expose residents to unsafe medical procedures and compromise public health standards.

Residents Advised to Use Licensed Health Facilities

The Ministry of Health further urged members of the public to exercise caution when seeking medical care and ensure they patronise only licensed hospitals, clinics and healthcare providers.

Residents were also encouraged to report suspected cases of illegal medical practice, quackery or other unethical activities within the health sector to relevant authorities for prompt investigation and action.

The latest crackdown underscores the Rivers State Government’s determination to strengthen healthcare regulation and protect citizens from individuals and institutions operating outside approved medical standards.