A private clinic located on Captain Amangala Street in the Borokiri area of Port Harcourt has been shut down by the Rivers State Interprofessional Anti-Quackery Committee, with its operational license officially revoked.
This decisive move came after an unscheduled inspection led by the Director of Medical Services at the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu.
The inspection followed disturbing reports concerning the death of a patient, Mrs. Victoria Paris, who allegedly died shortly after undergoing a caesarean section at the facility.
According to reports, Mrs. Paris was denied a blood transfusion by the attending medical personnel due to religious convictions, an action that drew widespread condemnation and prompted further investigation.
In a formal statement issued by Dr. Hope Avundaa on behalf of the Anti-Quackery Committee, it was disclosed that the clinic was operating from a converted three-bedroom apartment, which had been repurposed into a six-bed maternity centre run by one Comfort Etuk.
The inspection revealed multiple regulatory violations, including the absence of any licensed nurse on the premises and the clinic performing surgical procedures far beyond its authorized capacity.
In addition, it was found to be lacking a standard sterilization unit and did not meet Infection Prevention and Control standards.
All health professionals associated with the clinic—including doctors—have been summoned to appear before a panel set up by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to answer for their roles.
Reacting to the development, Dr. Diamond Tamunokuro, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Rivers State chapter, strongly criticized medical doctors who associate with poorly equipped and unapproved maternity homes. He stated that such conduct is “highly unprofessional and dangerous.”
The statement further emphasized, “This exercise is a continuation of the anti-quackery mandate of the Rivers State Ministry of Health and the Nigerian Medical Association, Rivers State and other Healthcare Affiliate Associations in the State.”
