The Anambra State Government in collaboration with security operatives on Wednesday rescued six pregnant teenagers from ‘a baby-making factory’ at Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, told journalists after the raid that the baby factory where babies were being sold had the name “Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity”.
He revealed that the baby factory is situated at Tansian University in Umunya, No. 1, School Road.
Obidike stated that, the facility burst when the state’s Health Facility, Accreditation and Monitoring Unit arrived for a routine inspection.
He said that when they asked to speak with the on-duty physician to find out why the facility wasn’t registered with the state government, the nurses they saw locked up the place and fled.
He added that the monitoring team was later helped by security personnel such as the Police, Civil Defense Corps, and OCHA-Brigade to enter the facility.
“When we gained access into the facility, what we saw was shocking. We discovered six underaged pregnant girls, within ages 14, 15,16, 17 and 21 years, allegedly camped against their wish.
“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.
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“They said when they deliver the babies, Ossai, who owns the facility, will sell the babies.
“Five persons have been arrested in connection with the`factory’ and the police will carry out further investigation”, he said.
Obidike reaffirmed the commitment of Gov. Charles Soludo’s administration in stamping out fake and quack hospitals across the state.
“Under the state’s Health Facility Accreditation and Monitoring Unit, we have equally established the state’s Illegal and Anti-Quackery Taskforce Team.
“The primary objective of the taskforce team is to eliminate illegal and unethical sharp practices within health facilities and enhance the quality of healthcare services in the state.
“The state government is determined to eliminate all illegal health facilities and quackery.
“It is also worthy to note that the state ministry of health has successfully built a database and website, where people can easily have access to approved and registered health facilities in the state”, he stated.
The commissioner urged residents to report any illegal activities, malpractices or concerns related to healthcare services in the state.
Also speaking, the Director, Medical Services, Dr Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu cautioned other fake and quack doctors operating in the state to shut down immediately.
He warned that, if caught, they will face the full wrath of the law.
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