Rivers Health Ministry Shuts Hospitals, Fights Quacks

By Adejumo Adekunle-

The Rivers State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with its Anti-quackery Committee, has shut down six hospitals located in Eleme, Oyigbo, and Ikwerre local government areas due to unprofessional practices.

Providing an update, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, revealed that these facilities were operating in violation of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) guidelines for provisional licenses and performing undocumented surgeries, among other infractions.

Dr. Oreh issued a stern warning to all unregistered healthcare providers, urging them to promptly register with the Ministry of Health. She emphasized that the government remains steadfast in enforcing its “zero tolerance for quackery and unregistered hospitals.”

She also advised government bodies like the NHIS, schools, and corporate organizations to verify that any health facility they partner with is duly registered with the State Ministry of Health and has been issued a Certificate of Standards. Furthermore, Dr. Oreh hinted that the committee’s activities are conducted in coordination with security agencies.