The Anambra Government has arrested a 47-year-old woman, Onyinyechi Charles, for operating an illegal traditional birth attendant facility in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area.
The woman who was ‘Eze Nwanyi’ (female traditionalist) had transitioned to a self-acclaimed surgeon without the required medical qualifications.
She was allegedly performing caesarean sections, conducting normal vaginal deliveries and other surgical procedures without authorisation, Anambra Commissioner for health, Dr Afam Obidike, told journalists on Sunday in Awka.
The Anambra Commissioner alleged that Charles allegedly operated an illegal traditional birth attendant facility in Umueri community.
Obidike said that during an inspection of the facility, conducted alongside the Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Mr Ifeanyi Chinweze, and security personnel, they recovered surgical instruments and other medical equipment allegedly used for the unauthorised procedures.
He added that officials also discovered what appeared to be a shrine and an altar inside the facility.
He said the facility had also been linked to reported medical complications and fatalities.
“The arrest followed investigations launched by the Ministry of Health as part of the state’s campaign against quackery and illegal medical practice.
“The suspect admitted during interrogation that she had been carrying out caesarean sections, normal deliveries and other surgical procedures without the required medical or surgical qualifications.
“She was previously known as ‘Eze Nwanyi’ before becoming a church minister and later presenting herself as a surgeon,” he said.
The commissioner said the facility had been confiscated pending the conclusion of legal proceedings, while the suspect would be arraigned before a competent court.
He described the discovery as disturbing and a serious threat to public health, adding that the administration of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo would not allow unqualified persons to endanger lives under the guise of providing healthcare.
Obidike urged residents, particularly expectant mothers, to seek medical care only from government-approved hospitals and duly registered healthcare providers.
He said Anambra ministry of health would sustain surveillance and enforcement operations across the state to identify and prosecute illegal medical practitioners.
“The government remains committed to sanitising the health sector and ensuring that only licensed and qualified healthcare professionals provide medical and surgical services in Anambra.
“Anyone found violating the law will face the full weight of legal sanctions,” he said.
Also speaking, the Local Government Chairman, commended the Ministry of Health and security agencies for exposing the alleged illegal medical operation.
He assured residents of the council’s continued support for efforts to eliminate quackery and other unlawful practices that endanger lives.
He also urged members of the public to report suspected illegal health facilities and patronise only accredited hospitals.
(NAN)
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