The Rivers State Government has arrested four people over alleged medical malpractice, including impersonation and the performance of a thyroid removal operation on an unsuspecting patient.
The arrests followed an enforcement exercise by the state Ministry of Health, which also sealed eight health facilities for operating illegally or violating prescribed healthcare standards.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Vincent Wachukwu, said the October operation was aimed at identifying unqualified medical practitioners and shutting down facilities that pose risks to public health.
One of the locations raided was an unregistered medical outfit allegedly operating from a residential building at No. 27 Victoria Street, Port Harcourt.
During the operation, officials apprehended two suspects, Ataisi Jephtha and Mgboawaji Edwin. Jephtha was accused of falsely presenting himself as a trained surgeon, while the premises were immediately sealed by the enforcement team.
The ministry also closed five hospitals and two diagnostic laboratory centres over their failure to meet basic operational requirements and obtain the necessary government registration.
Wachukwu warned that licensed medical professionals found working with illegal facilities or collaborating with unqualified practitioners would face disciplinary measures under the regulations of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
He said the state government remained committed to enforcing healthcare regulations and protecting residents from unsafe medical practices.
The ministry urged all healthcare providers to secure the required registrations and comply with minimum operating standards, warning that defaulters would face immediate sanctions.
Watch video below
