The Rivers State Government has intensified its efforts to sanitize the state’s critical sectors, launching a dual-pronged crackdown on illegal operations within the healthcare and construction industries. This move follows a surge in public concern over building safety and unethical medical practices.
Healthcare: Six Facilities Sealed Amid Trafficking Allegations
The Ministry of Health, led by the State Anti-Quackery Committee, has officially sealed six medical facilities operating illegally across various local government areas. The operation also resulted in the arrest of seven suspects.
Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Chairman of the Anti-Quackery Committee, disclosed that these facilities were not only unregistered but were also engaged in life-threatening practices. Notably, Eldona Clinic in Elekahia was shut down following police investigations into alleged child trafficking, involving the illegal exchange and sale of newborn babies.
Other affected facilities include:
PLARIV Hospital and Good Shepherd Hospital (Omoku, ONELGA)
Blessed Goodnews Clinic (Port Harcourt)
Estate Clinic (Obio/Akpor)
A patent medicine shop (Ndele, Emohua)
"We are not just sealing these places because they lack registration; we are acting against the nefarious and unprofessional activities that threaten the lives of our citizens," Dr. Wachukwu stated. He further warned that any group, including NGOs and religious organizations, must obtain explicit ministry approval before conducting any form of medical outreach.
Construction: Stricter Oversight After Recent Tragedies
Simultaneously, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has declared a "zero-tolerance" policy toward quackery in the building sector. This follows the tragic collapse of two three-storey buildings within 48 hours in the Trans-Amadi/Odili Road and Iwofe areas, which resulted in at least one fatality and multiple injuries.
Hon. Amairigha Edward Hart, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, highlighted that the recent collapses were linked to systemic failures: incompetence, the use of substandard materials, and developers deviating from approved building plans.
Key measures announced by the Ministry:
Intensified Monitoring: Dedicated teams will now conduct more frequent, unscheduled inspections of construction sites across the state.
Strict Adherence: Developers are warned against exceeding approved building limits or using uncertified personnel.
Accountability: The Ministry is moving to tighten the approval process to ensure that only qualified, licensed professionals lead construction projects.
The Commissioner noted that in the case of the Odili Road collapse, the structure had not received approval from the State Ministry, despite claims of federal-level documentation. He emphasized that the state government is committed to enforcing its own building codes to protect the lives and properties of Rivers State residents.
For more local updates, stay connected to PORTHARCOURTBLOG.
0 Comments