The Anambra State Government has arrested an alleged self acclaimed surgeon, Onyinyechi Charles, for allegedly operating an illegal maternity facility and carried out caesarean sections, normal deliveries and other surgical procedures without the required medical qualifications or licence.
47-year-old Charles, an indigene of Abia State, was apprehended by officials of the Anambra State Ministry of Health during a raid on the unlicensed traditional birth attendant facility located in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area following an investigation ordered by the Commissioner for Health, Afam Obidike, as part of the state government’s intensified campaign to eliminate illegal medical practices, protect patients and strengthen standards in the healthcare sector.
During an inspection of the facility on Sunday, Obidike, accompanied by the Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Ifeanyi Chinweze, and security personnel, discovered surgical instruments and other medical equipment allegedly used to perform unauthorised medical procedures.
Officials also found hospital beds believed to have been used in treating patients, raising concerns about the extent of medical activities allegedly carried out at the facility alongside what appeared to be a shrine and an altar within the premises.
Speaking after the inspection, Obidike described the alleged acts as a grave threat to public health, stressing that the government would not tolerate unqualified individuals endangering lives under the guise of providing healthcare services.
He said that the discovery underscored the dangers posed by illegal health facilities, particularly those performing complex medical procedures without qualified personnel, approved infrastructure or regulatory oversight.
“The Ministry of Health will sustain its surveillance and enforcement operations across the state to identify and prosecute illegal medical practitioners,” the commissioner said.
“The state government remains committed to sanitising the health sector and ensuring that only licensed and qualified healthcare professionals provide medical and surgical services in the state.
“What was found at that illegal facility is disturbing and a serious threat to public health. The state government will not allow unqualified individuals to endanger the lives of residents under the guise of providing healthcare. Anyone found violating the law will face the full weight of legal sanctions.”
Obidike urged residents, particularly pregnant women and their families, to seek treatment only at government-approved hospitals and duly registered private healthcare facilities, warning that patronising unlicensed operators could have fatal consequences.
He reiterated that the state government would continue to intensify inspections, surveillance and enforcement across Anambra to identify illegal health facilities and ensure compliance with established medical standards.
The commissioner disclosed that the premises had been sealed pending the conclusion of investigations, while the suspect would be arraigned before a competent court to face charges related to the alleged illegal medical practice.