Rivers State Shuts Down 21 Health Facilities for Violations

The Rivers State government has closed 21 health facilities and arrested three individuals for operating without proper registration and failing to meet the minimum standards set by the Rivers State Ministry of Health. Dr Vincent Wachukwu, the permanent secretary of the ministry, announced this during the Anti-Quackery Committee's third-quarter press briefing in Port Harcourt.

The action was prompted by surveillance reports indicating that over 150 health facilities were operating without registration across four local government areas: Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, and Etche. Only about 20 percent of registered facilities complied with mandatory inspections.

Among the sealed facilities were eight hospitals, five maternity homes, and eight diagnostic centers. Notably, Manda Hospital was implicated in suspected child trafficking, while Havilla Hospital's operator, Isaac, was arrested for practicing without a license.

Sunday Ogundele, who operated Ola Oluwa Medical Centre without medical training, was also arrested.