<p>The Rivers State Government has shut down five hospitals and a patent medicine store across the state over alleged child trafficking, illegal medical practices, and other offences, arresting seven suspects, including some facility operators.</p>
<p>The government said the action followed a discreet investigation by the State Anti-Quackery Committee, supported by security agencies, after receiving reports from members of the public.</p>
<p>Chairman of the Anti-Quackery Committee and Permanent Secretary-designate in the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr Vincent Wachukwu, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.</p>
<p>Wachukwu said investigations revealed that some of the facilities were being operated by unqualified individuals who allegedly performed surgeries, prescribed drugs, and administered treatment to unsuspecting patients without the requisite qualifications or licences.</p>
<p>He added that some operators were also running illegal training programmes for aspiring nurses despite lacking accreditation and professional credentials.</p>
<p>According to him, one of the facilities recently sealed, EL DONA Hospital in Elekahia, Port Harcourt, was allegedly involved in child trafficking.</p>
<p>He alleged that the proprietor deceived some mothers into believing their babies had died during childbirth, exchanged the newborns with dead infants and subsequently sold the living babies.</p>
<p>“For the latest case at EL DONA Hospital, the proprietor was operating without registration and was involved in child trafficking. All members of staff were arrested, and the facility has been sealed,” Wachukwu said.</p>
<p>“Part of what we gathered from our investigation is that women went there to deliver babies. The operator allegedly exchanged dead babies for living ones and told the mothers that their babies had died. She then sold the living babies.”</p>
<p>He vowed that the state government would support the police to ensure the suspect is prosecuted.</p>
<p>The affected facilities include PLARIV Hospital, Kreigeni Road, Omoku, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area; Good Shepherd Hospital, Nkaru Street, Omoku; Blessed GoodNews Clinic, Bonny Street, Port Harcourt; ESTATE Clinic, Okahia Estate, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area; a patent medicine store in Ndele, Emohua Local Government Area; and EL DONA Hospital, Elekahia, Port Harcourt.</p>
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<p>Wachukwu also disclosed that the committee sealed a patent medicine store in Ndele following the death of a 20-year-old girl, allegedly caused by an injection administered by the operator.</p>
<p>He said the deceased had recently completed secondary school and was awaiting admission after sitting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.</p>
<p>“A report came to us that the operator, who is not medically trained, administered an injectable medication that allegedly led to the girl’s death. We sealed the premises and arrested those we found there. The operator was absent, but we are still tracking her with the support of the community,” he said.</p>
<p>The committee chairman further revealed that PLARIV Hospital in Omoku was being run by a non-medical practitioner from Plateau State.</p>
<p>According to him, the suspect allegedly conducted surgical procedures without the necessary training or licence and operated an unapproved training school for auxiliary nurses.</p>
<p>“When we visited the facility, we found more than 60 trainees. There was no certificate of registration or any evidence of regulatory approval. We sealed the hospital and arrested the proprietor, who is currently being detained for prosecution,” he said.</p>
<p>Wachukwu said six facilities were sealed during the latest operation, while seven suspects were arrested.</p>
<p>He commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the media for supporting the committee’s anti-quackery campaign.</p>
<p>“We have sealed about six healthcare facilities and arrested about seven persons. As we intensify the fight against quackery, those involved also devise new ways to evade detection. But with continued support from stakeholders, we believe we are making significant progress,” he said.</p>
<p>Wachukwu also warned that any non-governmental organisation, private hospital or religious body planning to conduct free medical outreach programmes in the state must first obtain approval from the Ministry of Health through the offices of the Permanent Secretary and Director of Medical Services.</p>
<p>While assuring genuine organisations of government support, he warned that anyone who violates the directive would face sanctions.</p>
<p>Dennis Naku is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with approximately 19 years of professional experience. He has previously worked with Champion Newspapers and National Mirror Newspaper, reporting across multiple beats. His work reflects extensive newsroom experience and a commitment to professional journalism practice.</p>
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