Rivers State shuts 21 health facilities over illegal operations

The Rivers State Government has shut down 21 health facilities across several local government areas, including Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Etche, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni. The enforcement action was taken due to non-compliance with health regulations, operating without proper registration, and failing to meet minimum standards prescribed by the Ministry of Health.

According to Vincent Wachukwu, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the crackdown followed reports that over 150 facilities were operating without registration or supervision. The closed facilities include eight hospitals, five maternity homes, and eight diagnostic centres. During the operations, three individuals were arrested for alleged quackery and are facing prosecution.

In one specific instance at Manda Clinic and Maternity in Elelenwo, authorities conducted a joint operation following suspicions of child-trafficking racketeering. Wachukwu noted that a Liberian national at the facility allegedly revealed the procurement of three children within a single month. The government has emphasized its commitment to enforcing health regulations and ensuring only approved, ethical facilities operate within the state.