Tragedy in Rivers State: Health Facility Sealed After Woman Dies During Surgery by Unlicensed Personnel
A serious and heartbreaking incident has rocked Rivers State, as the government has taken decisive action against a healthcare facility involved in highly unprofessional practices. This move comes after a woman, identified as Mrs. Victoria Paris, tragically lost her life during a caesarean section that was allegedly carried out by unlicensed and unqualified health personnel.
According to reports, the incident occurred in a private health facility that was not properly equipped or authorized to perform such a critical surgical procedure. This has sparked widespread outrage and drawn the attention of state health authorities.
Health Facility Sealed After Surprise Inspection
In response to the disturbing event, the Anti-Quackery Committee of Rivers State, under the leadership of Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, paid an unannounced visit to the health facility. Upon inspection, the team was shocked by the poor conditions and grossly unprofessional operations taking place there.
Following the inspection, the committee sealed off the facility with immediate effect. The inspection revealed that the facility was originally a basic maternity home, but it had been illegally converted into a full hospital without the proper registration, equipment, or qualified medical staff required to run such a center.
The committee described the center as substandard, highlighting that it was never approved or designed to handle complex medical procedures such as caesarean sections.
From a 3-Bedroom Apartment to an Unauthorized Hospital
Further investigations revealed that the health facility in question was being operated from a converted three-bedroom apartment, which had been turned into a six-bed maternity center. The facility is reportedly owned by Mrs. Comfort Etuk, and it was originally registered only to provide maternity services—not to perform surgeries or operate as a full-scale hospital.
However, over time, it was discovered that the owners had illegally expanded the scope of operations, carrying out procedures that were far beyond what was legally allowed. Most shockingly, the people attending to patients were auxiliary nurses, not licensed medical professionals. These untrained individuals were performing critical medical procedures, which ultimately led to the tragic death of Mrs. Victoria Paris.
Damning Findings by the Anti-Quackery Committee
In a detailed statement issued by Dr. Hope Avundaa, representing the Rivers State Interprofessional Anti-Quackery Committee, the state government outlined the findings of their investigation. The statement reads:
“Inspection of the facility showed the following: No licensed medical personnel (Nurses) on ground; run by auxiliary nurses. Staff practice beyond the scope of registration, carrying out surgeries in a poorly equipped facility. No standard sterilising Unit or IPC standards.”
These findings paint a very dangerous picture of the healthcare practice at the facility. The lack of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) standards and sterilization equipment, combined with unqualified personnel performing surgeries, made the facility a time bomb waiting to explode—and sadly, it already has.
Swift Action Taken by State Authorities
Based on the committee’s findings, the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, took the firm decision to revoke the registration of the facility immediately. He also ordered the complete shutdown and sealing of the hospital to prevent any further harm to unsuspecting patients.
In addition, all health workers associated with the facility, including any doctors known to be involved in its operations, have been summoned before the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for questioning and possible disciplinary actions.
Condemnation from Medical Association
Reacting to the tragedy and the unprofessional conduct uncovered at the facility, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Rivers State, Dr. Diamond Tamunokuro, strongly condemned the actions of medical professionals who lend their names and services to substandard clinics and maternity centers.
He expressed deep concern over what he called the "condescending practice" of some doctors who choose to work in facilities that do not meet the minimum standards of care, saying such behavior undermines the integrity of the medical profession.
Ongoing Anti-Quackery Efforts in the State
This recent operation is part of a larger, ongoing campaign by the Rivers State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and other healthcare regulatory bodies in the state. Their goal is to identify, expose, and shut down all forms of quackery and illegal medical practices that put innocent lives at risk.
The statement emphasized:
“This exercise is a continuation of the anti-quackery mandate of the Rivers State Ministry of Health and the Nigerian Medical Association, Rivers State and other Healthcare Affiliate Associations in the State.”
Conclusion
The tragic death of Mrs. Victoria Paris has once again exposed the dangers of unregulated and illegal medical practices in Nigeria. As the government continues its crackdown on such dangerous facilities, it serves as a strong warning to all healthcare providers: human lives are not to be played with.
For the citizens, it’s a sobering reminder to always verify the qualifications and licenses of any health facility before entrusting them with your care—especially for critical procedures like childbirth and surgery.
Stay with NaijaRush for more updates on this developing story.
