The Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Health, has arrested a 47-year-old woman, Onyinyechi Charles, for allegedly operating an unlicensed traditional birth attendant facility in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.
Charles, who hails from Abia State, is accused of operating the facility, where she allegedly performed caesarean sections, conducted normal vaginal deliveries and carried out other surgical procedures.
The discovery followed investigations initiated by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate illegal medical practices and protect the lives of residents.
During an inspection of the facility on Sunday, the commissioner, accompanied by the Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Ifeanyi Chinweze, and security personnel, recovered surgical instruments and other medical equipment believed to have been used in the alleged unauthorised procedures.
Officials also found hospital beds where patients were reportedly treated, while further inspection revealed what appeared to be a shrine and an altar within the facility.
Speaking after the inspection, Obidike described the discovery as disturbing and a serious threat to public health, adding that the state government would not allow unqualified individuals to endanger the lives of residents under the guise of providing healthcare.
He warned members of the public against seeking medical care from unlicensed facilities or unqualified persons, urging expectant mothers and other patients to patronise only government-approved hospitals and duly registered healthcare providers.
He said, “The Ministry of Health will sustain its surveillance and enforcement operations across the state to identify and prosecute illegal medical practitioners.
“The state government remains committed to sanitising the health sector and ensuring that only licensed and qualified healthcare professionals provide medical and surgical services in the state.
“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.
“The premises have been sealed pending the outcome of legal proceedings, while the suspect will be arraigned before a competent court.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Ifeanyi Chinweze, commended the Ministry of Health and security agencies for exposing the alleged illegal medical operation.
Chinweze assured residents that the local government would continue to support efforts aimed at eliminating quackery and other unlawful practices that endanger lives.
He urged members of the public to promptly report suspected illegal health facilities and patronise only accredited hospitals and qualified healthcare professionals.
The case is expected to proceed before a competent court, where the allegations against the suspect will be determined in accordance with the law.
Punch