Rivers Gov’t seals six private hospitals over unsafe practices

The Rivers State Government has sealed six private hospitals, including one operated by a foreigner, for running without proper authorisation and engaging in unprofessional conduct.

This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, during a media briefing in Port Harcourt.

According to Dr. Oreh, the affected facilities were found to be employing unqualified personnel and performing surgeries without the necessary supervision, equipment, or skilled staff. She also noted that these unethical practices were often conducted in hospitals located outside Port Harcourt to avoid detection.

This, she said, puts the lives of unsuspecting patients at significant risk.

The commissioner listed the sealed facilities as follows: ‘Parley Hospital and Maternity’ in Ogale, ‘Success Maternity’ in Aleto, and ‘Noble Life Maternity and Computer Test’ in Aleto, all in the Eleme Local Government Area of the state.

The others are ‘Futurist Medical Centre’ in Omagwa, Ikwerre LGA, ‘Godbless Hospital’ in Kom-kom, and ‘ASHA Specialist Hospital’ on La Quinta Street, Afam, both in Oyigbo LGA of the state.

She added, “If you observe the trend, a lot of them are moving out of the main city of Port Harcourt, perhaps to evade notice and avoid being brought to book by the authorities.”

Oreh warned medical doctors and pharmacies against crossing the lines of ethical practices by collaborating with quacks to perpetrate such unprofessional acts, which have resulted in deaths.

“We also warn medical doctors and other health workers who collaborate, train, and collude with quacks and facilities run by unqualified practitioners against crossing the lines of ethical medical practice.

“We also take this opportunity to caution pharmacies and chemist shops that have illegally extended their services to include consultation and the administration of intravenous medications, as well as admitting patients, to desist from such practices or face consequences,” she said.

The commissioner urged all unregistered facilities to visit the Rivers State Ministry of Health to understand the conditions and criteria for registration, reiterating that the state government maintains zero tolerance for quacks and unregistered facilities.

She stated that the Rivers State Contributory Health Programme is functional and active, following Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s approval of its launch in January 2024, and advised members of the public to enrol to enjoy the benefits of revitalised health services in the state’s public sector.