The Anambra State Government has intensified its campaign against illegal medical practice with the arrest of a 47 year old traditional birth attendant, Onyinyechi Charles, for allegedly operating an unlicensed maternity facility where unauthorised surgical procedures, including caesarean sections, were reportedly carried out.
The suspect, said to be an indigene of Abia State, was arrested during a raid on the facility located in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, following investigations initiated by the state Ministry of Health into alleged illegal medical activities.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, who led the inspection alongside the Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Ifeanyi Chinweze, and security operatives, said surgical instruments, hospital beds and other medical equipment believed to have been used for unauthorised procedures were recovered from the premises.
Officials also discovered what appeared to be a shrine and an altar within the facility during the operation.
Obidike described the findings as alarming and a serious threat to public health, stressing that the government would not tolerate unqualified individuals exposing residents to avoidable health risks under the guise of providing medical services.
“What was found at that illegal facility is disturbing and a serious threat to public health. The state government will not allow unqualified individuals to endanger the lives of residents under the guise of providing healthcare. Anyone found violating the law will face the full weight of legal sanctions,” he said.
The commissioner urged residents, particularly expectant mothers, to seek treatment only at government approved hospitals and licensed healthcare facilities, warning against patronising unregistered clinics and birth centres.
He added that the Ministry of Health would sustain surveillance and enforcement operations across the state to identify, arrest and prosecute illegal medical practitioners in line with the government’s commitment to sanitising the health sector.
According to him, the premises have been sealed pending the conclusion of legal proceedings, while the suspect will be arraigned before a competent court.
Also speaking, Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Ifeanyi Chinweze, commended the Ministry of Health and security agencies for exposing the alleged illegal operation.
He assured residents of the council’s continued support for efforts aimed at eliminating quackery and other unlawful practices that endanger lives, urging members of the public to report suspected illegal health facilities and patronise only accredited hospitals and qualified healthcare professionals.
The state government maintained that the case would proceed before a competent court where the allegations against the suspect would be determined in accordance with the law.
