The Rivers State Ministry of Health has intensified its crackdown on illegal healthcare operators, sealing six health facilities and arresting seven suspects over alleged involvement in child trafficking, the use of unqualified personnel and other unethical practices.

Chairman of the State Anti-Quackery Committee and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, disclosed this during a press conference in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Wachukwu said the affected facilities were shut not only for operating without appropriate licences but also for engaging in activities that threaten public health and safety.

According to him, the latest operation is part of the committee’s ongoing effort to sanitize the healthcare sector across the state and protect residents from quack practitioners.

“The facilities are not being sealed just because they are not registered. They are being sealed because they engage in nefarious and unprofessional activities,” he said.

The permanent secretary identified the affected facilities as PLARIV Hospital and Good Shepherd Hospital in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area; Blessed Goodnews Clinic on Bonny Street, Port Harcourt; Estate Clinic in Okahia Estate, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area; EL DONA Hospital in Obio/Akpor; and some patent medicine shops in Ndele, Emohua Local Government Area.

He disclosed that EL DONA Hospital was sealed over its alleged involvement in child trafficking, adding that the ministry would support law enforcement agencies to ensure diligent prosecution of those arrested.

Wachukwu commended the police for their role in the investigation and reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminating illegal medical practices across all 23 local government areas of the state.

He noted that the anti-quackery campaign, which has lasted for more than two years, had resulted in the closure of several illegal hospitals and diagnostic centres, while a number of operators were currently facing prosecution.

Expressing optimism about the outcome of the exercise, he said the committee was making significant progress in its efforts to rid the state of quackery and other sharp practices in the health sector.

The permanent secretary also renewed the state’s ban on unauthorized medical outreaches, warning non-governmental organisations, religious groups and other bodies against conducting free medical services without obtaining approval from the Ministry of Health.

He urged residents to patronise only licensed healthcare facilities and report suspected cases of illegal medical practice to the appropriate authorities.