The Rivers State Government has officially closed five hospitals and one pharmacy due to serious allegations, including medical quackery, child trafficking, and impersonation. Seven individuals have been taken into custody as investigations proceed. Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, head of the State Anti-Quackery Committee, confirmed the crackdown during a media briefing in Port Harcourt. These closures followed intelligence gathering and reports from local citizens.
Among the most alarming cases is EL DONA Hospital, where the proprietor is accused of orchestrating a child trafficking scheme. Authorities claim the owner would tell mothers their newborns died, only to sell the living infants. Additionally, a pharmacy in Ndele was shuttered after a 20-year-old student died following an injection administered by an untrained person.
Other facilities faced closure for varied illicit acts. PLARIV Hospital in Omoku was run by an unlicensed individual from Plateau State who performed surgeries and illegally trained auxiliary nurses. Good Shepherd Hospital was found to be operated by a psychology graduate using forged medical certificates. Meanwhile, Blessed GoodNews Clinic in Port Harcourt utilized stolen credentials from legitimate doctors, and ESTATE Clinic was shut down for operating without a valid license after previously defying a government closure order.
The Ministry of Health plans to enhance oversight by creating a public database of verified facilities. Officials underscored that they will continue collaborating with security agencies to eradicate illegal medical practices. Any organization intending to host medical outreaches in the state must first secure formal ministry approval.
