Rivers State Shuts Down Hospitals Over Child Trafficking

The Rivers State Government has closed five hospitals and arrested seven suspects in connection with child trafficking and medical quackery. This action followed a discreet investigation by the state’s anti-quackery committee, supported by security agencies.

Vincent Wachukwu, the permanent secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, disclosed that the facilities were operated by non-medical personnel who performed surgeries and prescribed drugs without proper qualifications. Among the facilities shut down were Plariv Hospital in Omoku, Good Shepherd Hospital, and El Dona Hospital in Elekahia, Port Harcourt.

A serious case involved a 20-year-old girl who died after receiving an injection at a patent drug store. The proprietor of El Dona Hospital was arrested for operating without registration and was implicated in child trafficking.

The Rivers State Government is committed to prosecuting those involved in these illegal activities and ensuring public safety.