Posted on: Wed 24-06-2026

A major crackdown on illegal healthcare practices in Rivers State has uncovered alarming allegations of child trafficking, unlicensed medical operations, unauthorized surgeries, and the training of unqualified healthcare personnel, raising serious concerns about patient safety and healthcare regulation.

The Rivers State Government has sealed five hospitals and a patent medicine store while arresting seven suspects following investigations conducted by the State Anti-Quackery Committee in collaboration with security agencies.

Health authorities described the operation as one of the most significant anti-quackery interventions in recent years, exposing activities that threaten public health, undermine professional standards, and endanger vulnerable patients.

 

Illegal Healthcare Facilities Shut Down

The affected facilities include PLARIV Hospital in Omoku, Good Shepherd Hospital in Omoku, Blessed GoodNews Clinic in Port Harcourt, ESTATE Clinic in Obio/Akpor, EL DONA Hospital in Port Harcourt, and a patent drug shop located in Ndele, Emohua Local Government Area.

According to the Rivers State Ministry of Health, investigations revealed that several of the facilities were operating without valid licenses and were managed by individuals lacking recognized medical qualifications.

Officials disclosed that some operators were performing surgical procedures, prescribing medications, administering injections, and providing healthcare services without professional certification or regulatory approval.

 

Child Trafficking Allegations Shock Health Sector

The most disturbing allegation emerged from investigations at EL DONA Hospital in Elekahia, Port Harcourt.

Speaking on the operation, Chairman of the State Anti-Quackery Committee and Permanent Secretary Designate, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, alleged that the facility's proprietor was involved in child trafficking activities linked to maternity services.

According to preliminary findings, women who delivered babies at the facility were allegedly deceived into believing their newborns had died, while living infants were reportedly diverted and sold through illegal channels.

Authorities stated that all staff members found at the facility were arrested, while law enforcement agencies have commenced further investigations and prosecution processes.

If substantiated through judicial proceedings, experts note that such allegations represent serious violations of medical ethics, reproductive rights, child protection laws, and public trust in healthcare institutions.

 

Death of Young Woman Raises Further Concerns

Investigators also reported a separate case involving a patent medicine store operator accused of administering an unidentified injectable substance to a 20-year-old woman, allegedly resulting in her death.

The deceased, according to health officials, had recently completed secondary school and was awaiting admission into tertiary education at the time of the incident.

The case highlights growing concerns regarding the misuse of injectable medications by unqualified practitioners and the dangers associated with seeking care from unregulated healthcare providers.

 

Unqualified Personnel Conducting Surgeries

Another facility, PLARIV Hospital in Omoku, was reportedly found to be operating as a 10-bed hospital without appropriate registration or accreditation.

Investigators alleged that the facility was managed by a non-medical practitioner who performed surgical procedures despite lacking formal medical training and professional licensing.

Authorities further revealed that more than 60 individuals were undergoing training as auxiliary nurses within the facility, despite the absence of approval to operate a healthcare training institution.

Health regulators warn that the proliferation of unaccredited training programmes poses significant risks to healthcare quality, patient safety, and workforce competence.

 

Strengthening Healthcare Regulation

The Rivers State Government stated that the operation forms part of broader efforts to eliminate medical quackery, improve healthcare standards, and protect residents from unsafe clinical practices.

Public health experts have consistently identified unlicensed healthcare facilities as a major contributor to preventable deaths, treatment complications, delayed referrals, maternal mortality, and healthcare-associated harm in many low-resource settings.

Regulatory authorities are increasingly emphasizing the importance of facility accreditation, professional licensing, routine inspections, and public awareness campaigns to curb the activities of illegal healthcare operators.

 

Protecting Patients Through Vigilance

Healthcare professionals have urged members of the public to verify the registration status of healthcare facilities, seek care from licensed practitioners, and promptly report suspected cases of medical quackery to relevant authorities.

Medical associations also note that strengthening regulatory enforcement is essential to preserving public confidence in the healthcare system and ensuring that healthcare services are delivered by appropriately trained and licensed professionals.

As investigations continue, the Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting offenders and dismantling illegal healthcare operations that place lives at risk.

For healthcare stakeholders, the revelations serve as a stark reminder that patient safety begins not only with treatment but with ensuring that healthcare providers are qualified, regulated, accountable, and ethically committed to protecting human life.

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