🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Rivers State government shuts five hospitals, arrests seven over child trafficking and unlicensed operations
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
The Rivers State Government has closed five hospitals and one patent drug store, arresting seven individuals, including operators, for alleged child trafficking and operating without licenses. Vincent Wachukwu, Chairman of the Anti-Quackery Committee and Permanent Secretary Designate, Rivers State Ministry of Health, announced the closures and arrests, which followed an investigation supported by security agencies. Some facilities were found to be staffed by unqualified personnel performing surgeries and administering drugs. One sealed facility, EL DONA Hospital in Elekahia, Port Harcourt, was reportedly involved in child trafficking, where the proprietor allegedly exchanged dead babies for live ones to sell. Another serious case involved a 20-year-old girl who died after receiving an injection from an untrained operator at a patent drug store in Ndele, Emohua LGA. Other sealed facilities include PLARIV Hospital and Good Shepherd Hospital in Omoku, Blessed GoodNews Clinic in Port Harcourt, and ESTATE Clinic in Obio/Akpor LGA. Wachukwu stated that the ministry would assist the police in prosecuting all suspects and warned that all NGOs, private hospitals, and religious bodies must obtain permission from the Ministry of Health for any medical outreach or health programs in the state.
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