The Benue State Government has shut down St. John’s Hospital in Otukpo over allegations of substandard medical procedures, including a disturbing case in which a patient reportedly had both breasts removed without adherence to clinical guidelines.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, confirmed the closure on Saturday, explaining that the hospital was sealed for “failure to comply with established clinical standards.”
According to him, the ministry had placed the facility under surveillance following reports of malpractice before sending an enforcement team to investigate.
“The state government is intensifying its campaign against quackery and unsafe medical practices,” Ogwuche said.
“During the inspection, the team discovered that St. John’s Hospital was operating in an unsafe environment and disregarding approved treatment protocols.”
He added that the team — led by the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Agbadu Joshua, and supported by the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association’s Anti-Quackery Committee, Dr. Alex Iorbo, along with Desk Officers from Otukpo and Gboko LGAs — found evidence of grave professional misconduct.
“One of the reported incidents involved the removal of both breasts of a patient on November 25 without compliance with clinical guidelines,” Ogwuche stated.
The facility was immediately sealed, and the Medical Superintendent was issued a query and directed to appear before the ministry on Monday for further investigation.
Ogwuche reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health, stressing that authorities would not hesitate to act against facilities that endanger lives.
He said, “We want to assure the people of Benue that this administration will continue to promote ethical, safe and high-quality healthcare.
Any facility that violates professional standards will face decisive action.”
The latest closure comes shortly after the government shut down St. Peter and Paul Community Health Centre and Maternity in Lessel, Ushongo LGA, over what authorities described as “gross professional misconduct,” reflecting ongoing efforts to sanitise the state’s health sector.
