The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory,FCT, Nyesom Wike, has ordered a clampdown on illegal hospitals and quack doctors in Abuja.
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and social media to the minister, said the directive follows the tragic death of a pregnant woman, Chekwube Chinagorom, after undergoing a caesarean section at an unregistered facility in Durumi, Abuja.
Olayinka said the minister condemned the continued operation of unauthorized medical centres despite the FCT offering free health insurance to pregnant women.
He stressed that vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, are entitled to free registration under the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme,FHIS,.
Through the FHIS, enrollees access services listed in the Basic Minimum Package of Health Services at Primary Health Care centres across the FCT.
In line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Wike has prioritized maternal health by designating major hospitals in Gwarinpa, Nyanya, Abaji, and Kuje as Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care centres.
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These designated hospitals offer cesarean sections and other maternal care services at no cost.
Olayinka urged pregnant women to utilize registered hospitals to avoid the risks associated with visiting quack medical practitioners.
He narrated that Chinagorom was rushed to Asokoro District Hospital already dead, after a surgery performed at an unsafe and substandard private facility.
Investigation by the Private Health Establishments Registration and Monitoring Committee found that the hospital where she was operated was unregistered.
At the time of inspection, only one junior health worker, Mr. Simon Godiya, was present, while the surgery was carried out by a man identified as Murtala Jumma and another unknown person.
Efforts to contact Jumma were unsuccessful.
The Nigeria Police, Durumi Division, is now investigating the case, including verifying the qualifications of those involved in the surgery.
Olayinka said the minister has vowed that those responsible will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law to curb medical malpractice in the FCT.
Crediblenewsng.com
