Cross River shuts three healthcare facilities over alleged quackery, poor standards
The Cross River government has shut down three private healthcare facilities for allegedly operating below required healthcare standards and engaging in quack medical practices.
A statement on Saturday by Stephen Agbor of the state ministry of health’s department of medical and dental service (DMDS) said the facilities were sealed following inspection by the task force on Health quality and anti-quackery
“The inspection of these facilities located in the central senatorial district followed intelligence information on their activities,” the statement reads.
“The sealed private health facilities include Gifted Hands Empowerment Foundation in Ikom and Ekori, Rockalive Medical Centre in Nko and Benson Clinic in Ikom.”
According to NAN, Gifted Hands Empowerment Foundation operated without licensed personnel and registration with the state’s ministry of health.
The statement said the health center operated in a clinically unsafe environment and had a history of high post-surgical mortality rate.
“Gifted Hands has other clinics in Ekori located in Sam Eko’s house, Ntan Ekori. It was reported that a woman from Yakurr died in the facility shortly after a surgical operation on June 7,” the statement reads.
The statement also noted that Rockalive Medical Centre in Nko was operated by unqualified personnel.
The state ministry of health said aside from the centre’s poor facilities, there was an absence of necessary healthcare equipment.
The ministry recommended the sealing and closure of Benson Clinic in Ikom, presently being run by a teacher “without any medical training background”.
“This clinic has no licensed doctor present. The facility is dilapidated with no basic hospital equipment, and they are involved in several unethical medical practices,” the statement added.