The Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Health, has arrested a 47-year-old woman, Onyinyechi Charles, for allegedly operating an illegal maternity facility in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area.
The Punch reported that the suspect, an indigene of Abia State, was accused of running an unlicensed traditional birth attendant centre where she allegedly carried out caesarean sections, normal vaginal deliveries and other surgical procedures without authorisation.
The arrest followed investigations ordered by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, as part of the government’s intensified campaign against illegal medical practices and efforts to safeguard public health.
During an inspection of the facility on Sunday, Obidike, accompanied by the Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Ifeanyi Chinweze, and security operatives, recovered surgical instruments and other medical equipment allegedly used for the unauthorised procedures.
Officials also discovered hospital beds believed to have been used for treating patients. A further search of the premises reportedly uncovered what appeared to be a shrine and an altar.
Addressing journalists after the inspection, Obidike described the findings as alarming, saying the activities at the facility posed a grave danger to public health.
He cautioned residents against seeking treatment from unlicensed health facilities or unqualified practitioners, advising expectant mothers and other patients to use only government-approved hospitals and registered healthcare providers.
He said, “The Ministry of Health will sustain its surveillance and enforcement operations across the state to identify and prosecute illegal medical practitioners.
“The state government remains committed to sanitising the health sector and ensuring that only licensed and qualified healthcare professionals provide medical and surgical services in the state.
“What was found at that illegal facility is disturbing and a serious threat to public health. The state government will not allow unqualified individuals to endanger the lives of residents under the guise of providing healthcare. Anyone found violating the law will face the full weight of legal sanctions.
“The premises have been sealed pending the outcome of legal proceedings, while the suspect will be arraigned before a competent court.”
Also speaking, Chinweze praised the Ministry of Health and security agencies for uncovering the alleged illegal medical operation.
He assured residents that the local government would continue to collaborate with relevant authorities to eradicate quackery and other unlawful practices that threaten public safety.
The council chairman also appealed to members of the public to report suspected illegal health facilities and ensure they seek treatment only from accredited hospitals and qualified healthcare professionals.
The sealed facility will remain under lock pending legal proceedings, while the suspect is expected to be arraigned before a competent court, where the allegations against her will be determined in accordance with the law.
