The suspect, Mrs Charles
Kenechukwu Ofomah
Awka
The Anambra State Government has intensified its crackdown against illegal medical practice with the arrest of a 47-year-old woman, Mrs. Onyinyechi Esther Charles, accused of performing caesarean sections and other surgical procedures without the requisite medical qualifications.
Mrs. Charles, an Abia State indigene married to a native of Nteje in Oyi Local Government Area, allegedly operated a traditional birth attendant (TBA) facility in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, where she carried out surgeries, supervised normal deliveries and offered other medical services despite lacking professional certification.
State health authorities also linked the facility to several cases of medical complications and alleged fatalities.
The arrest followed an investigation ordered by the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, as part of the Soludo administration’s ongoing campaign to rid the state of quack medical practitioners and safeguard public health.
According to the Ministry of Health, the suspect allegedly admitted during interrogation to carrying out caesarean sections, normal deliveries and other surgical procedures without the legal authority or professional qualifications required to do so.
The ministry further disclosed that Mrs. Charles, who was previously known as “Eze Nwanyi,” later became a church minister before allegedly presenting herself as a surgeon.
During an inspection of the facility on Sunday, Dr. Obidike, accompanied by the Mayor of Anambra East Local Government Area, Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze, and security operatives, recovered surgical instruments and other medical equipment allegedly used for the unauthorised procedures.
Officials also found hospital beds where patients were reportedly treated, while a shrine and an altar were discovered within the premises, raising further concerns about activities at the facility.
The state government has since sealed and confiscated the premises pending the conclusion of legal proceedings, while the suspect is expected to be arraigned before a competent court.
Describing the discovery as alarming, Dr. Obidike said the government would not tolerate individuals endangering lives by masquerading as qualified healthcare professionals.
He warned residents against seeking treatment from unlicensed health facilities or unqualified persons, particularly expectant mothers, urging them to patronise only government-approved hospitals and duly registered healthcare providers.
“The Ministry of Health would sustain surveillance and enforcement operations across the state to identify, prosecute and eliminate illegal medical practitioners.
“The Soludo administration remains committed to sanitising the health sector by ensuring that only licensed and qualified professionals provide medical and surgical services in Anambra,” he posited.
Also speaking during the inspection, the Mayor of Anambra East, Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze, commended the Ministry of Health and security agencies for uncovering the illegal operation.
He assured residents of the local government’s continued support for efforts to eradicate quackery and other unlawful practices that threaten public safety, while urging members of the public to report suspected illegal health facilities to the appropriate authorities.
The suspect is expected to face trial, where the allegations against her will be determined by the court.
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