The Anambra State Government through the State Ministry of Health Facility, Accreditation and Monitoring Unit (ASHEFAAMU), uncovered a baby factory disguised as Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity.
The baby factory is located at No 1, school road Tansian University, Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike described the discovery as shocking and unbelievable.
Dr Obidike said that the state’s Health Facility, Accreditation and Monitoring Unit arrived at the facility for its routine inspection when it busted the operation.
He said that the nurses they saw locked up the facility and ran away after they requested to see the doctor on duty to find out why the facility was not registered with the state government.
According to him, security operatives including OCHA-Brigade, the Civil Defence Corps and the Police later assisted the monitoring team in gaining access to the facility.
“When we gained access to the facility, what we saw was shocking. We discovered six underaged pregnant girls, between ages 14, 15,16, 17 and 21 years, allegedly camped against their wishes,” he said.
“We interviewed these girls and they told us that they were being camped by one self-acclaimed doctor, who they identified as Mr Odili Ossai from Delta State, now at large.
“They said when they deliver the babies, Ossai, who owns the facility, will sell the babies and they go home with nothing.
“Five persons have been arrested in connection with the `factory’ and the police will carry out further investigation.”
Obidike reaffirmed the commitment of Gov. Charles Soludo’s administration in stamping out fake and quack hospitals across the state.
“Unfortunately, we found out that in our data system, they are not registered and that’s why we came to verify and know what is happening here and you can see for yourself the discoveries. What we have been doing in terms of hospital monitoring is aimed at enhancing the quality of healthcare services in the State.
“Under the Anambra State Health Facility Accreditation and Monitoring Unit and with the approval from Mr. Governor we have equally established the State Illegal and Anti-Quackery Taskforce Team that is also in line with the directive of Gov. Charles Soludo who is determined to eliminate from the state all illegal health facilities and quackery.
“It is also worth noting that the State Ministry of Health has successfully built a database website that will give people easy access to approved and registered health facilities in the State.
“So, we are here because the primary objective of the task force team is to eliminate illegal and unethical sharp practices within health facilities across the state.
“We want to promote transparency and encourage public participation and below are the dedicated mobile hotline to report any observed illegal activities, malpractices or concerns related to healthcare services. 08057655442, 09135169905 and 07013197263.
The Commissioner cautioned other fake and quack operating hospitals to shut down immediately noting that the law will eventually catch up with them.
