RIVERS ANTI-QUACKERY COMMITTEE SHUTS DOWN ILLEGAL CLINIC IN PORT HARCOURT. (PHOTO).

 Rivers Anti-Quackery Committee Shuts Down Illegal Clinic in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State Anti-Quackery Committee has sealed a clinic on Captain Amangala Street, Borokiri, Port Harcourt, and revoked its registration license following a fatal incident at the facility. The action, led by Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, Director of Medical Services at the Rivers State Ministry of Health, was prompted by an unscheduled inspection on Monday after reports surfaced of the death of Mrs. Victoria Paris.

Mrs. Paris reportedly died after undergoing a caesarean section at the clinic, allegedly due to medical personnel refusing her a blood transfusion on religious grounds. The facility, operated by Comfort Etuk, was found to be a three-bedroom apartment converted into a six-bed maternity home. Inspections revealed severe violations, including the absence of licensed nurses, operations beyond its approved scope, and the performance of surgical procedures in a poorly equipped environment. The clinic also lacked a standard sterilization unit and failed to meet Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) standards.

In a statement issued by Dr. Hope Avundaa on behalf of the Rivers State Interprofessional Anti-Quackery Committee, the clinic’s health workers, including affiliated doctors, have been summoned to appear before the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) panel for further investigation.

Dr. Diamond Tamunokuro, state chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), condemned the involvement of medical doctors in substandard maternity homes, calling such practices “highly unprofessional and dangerous.” The statement emphasized that the crackdown is part of an ongoing effort by the Rivers State Ministry of Health, NMA, and other healthcare affiliate associations to combat quackery in the state.

The committee vowed to continue its mandate to protect public health by enforcing strict standards in medical practice across Rivers State.