Rivers shuts down hospitals operating without licence

• Fubara assures quality, affordable healthcare

The Rivers State Government has taken decisive action against three healthcare facilities operating illegally. Adewan Hospital in Bori, Khana Local Council, and Caprica Spar, in Port Harcourt, have been shut down for operating without licence from the State Ministry of Health. Saint Thomas Hospital in Eleme is currently under investigation.

Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, announced these actions during a media briefing, citing the facilities’ use of unqualified staff to perform surgical procedures as a major concern.

Despite being operated by licenced medical doctors, the hospitals’ actions endangered the lives of residents seeking medical services. The government’s move aims to ensure that healthcare facilities in the state meet the required standards, operating within the law.

Oreh also reiterated that non-governmental organisations, religious groups, philanthropists, and private hospitals must obtain written permission from the Rivers State Ministry of Health before conducting medical outreach programmes, as this measure is to protect vulnerable individuals from falling victim to unscrupulous operators.

The commissioner assured that the State Anti-Quackery Committee is ensuring that all offenders face legal consequences, stating that while some facilities operating without government licence may appear legitimate, they could be engaged in illegal activities.

Also speaking, the Director of Medical Services and Chairman of the State Anti-Quackery Committee, Doctor Wachukwu Vincent, assured that government facilities are not left out, as the committee is also monitoring all state-owned medical facilities to ensure compliance with proper medical standards.

MEANWHILE, the Rivers State Governor, SiminalayiFubara, has directed contractors handling the upgrade, remodelling and expansion work on the four Zonal Hospitals in the state to increase the pace of work to make the derivable services available to the people in time.

Fubara gave the directive when he visited the hospitals in Ahoada Town, Ahoada-East Local Council of the state, yesterday, to assess the extent of work achieved.

The governor, who was conducted around the different sections of the Zonal Hospital by the Health Commissioner, said that the provision of quality healthcare services remains a major focus of his administration.

He said: “You are aware that we just left Rumuokurusi in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area where we went to see the extent of work done on the Rumuokurusi-Igbo-Etche Road project.
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Now, we are here in Ahoada-East Local Council to check one of the major items on our agenda for governance, which is healthcare.

“We have seen what they are doing, and I can say that we are also impressed with what they are doing. We are sure that before the first quarter of next year, this project will be delivered to the people of this senatorial district.”