The Anambra State Government has arrested a 47-year-old woman, Onyinyechi Charles. She is accused of running an unlicensed traditional birth attendant facility in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area. It is reported that she performed caesarean sections and other surgeries there.
Charles is from Abia State. Officials from the state Ministry of Health caught her during an inspection. They described the facility as illegal, claiming it was conducting normal deliveries, caesarean sections, and other unauthorised medical procedures.
The inspection was part of a campaign ordered by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike. The aim is to crack down on illegal medical practice and quackery in the state.
During the inspection on Sunday, Obidike said the team, along with the Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Ifeanyi Chinweze, and security personnel, found surgical instruments and other medical equipment. These items are believed to have been used for the illegal procedures.
The team also discovered hospital beds where patients were reportedly treated. They found what officials described as a shrine and an altar on the premises.
Obidike found the discovery disturbing. He said the government will not allow unqualified people to endanger lives while pretending to provide healthcare. He urged residents, especially expectant mothers, to seek treatment only at government-approved hospitals and licensed healthcare facilities.
"The Ministry of Health will keep watching and enforcing laws across the state to identify and prosecute illegal medical practitioners," he said.
He added, "The state government is committed to cleaning up the health sector. We want only licensed and qualified healthcare professionals to provide medical and surgical services."
Obidike called the findings a serious threat to public health. He warned that anyone breaking the law will face serious legal consequences.
The commissioner stated that the facility has been sealed and taken over pending legal proceedings. Charles will be taken to court.
Ifeanyi Chinweze, the Chairman of Anambra East LGA, praised the Ministry of Health and security agencies for exposing the illegal medical operation. He promised that the council will continue to support efforts to eliminate quackery and other illegal medical practices.
Chinweze urged the public to report any suspected illegal health facilities and to only use accredited hospitals and qualified healthcare professionals. The court will decide on the allegations against Charles.
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