The Rivers State Government has shut down six private hospitals, including a facility operated by a foreigner, for operating without authorisation and engaging in unprofessional conduct, News About Nigeria reports.
This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, during a media briefing in Port Harcourt.
She noted that the facilities were employing unqualified personnel, which poses a risk to the health and lives of the people.
Oreh stated that most of the persons engaging in unethical conduct often operate their facilities outside Port Harcourt, the state capital, to conceal their illegal activities, adding that they also carry out surgeries without the requisite personnel, facilities, and supervision, thereby endangering the lives of unsuspecting patients.
She warned medical doctors and pharmacists against crossing the lines of ethical practices by collaborating with quacks to perpetrate such unprofessional acts, which have resulted in deaths, maintaining that they will not go unpunished if discovered.
“If you observe the trend, a lot of them are moving out of the main city of Port Harcourt, perhaps to evade notice and avoid being brought to book by the authorities.
“We also warn medical doctors and other health workers who collaborate, train, and collude with quacks and facilities run by unqualified practitioners against crossing the lines of ethical medical practice.
“We also take this opportunity to caution pharmacies and chemist shops that have illegally extended their services to include consultation and the administration of intravenous medications, as well as admitting patients, to desist from such practices or face consequences,” Oreh said.