The Rivers State Government has sealed a clinic in Port Harcourt and revoked its registration license following the death of a patient who was allegedly denied blood transfusion based on religious beliefs.
The facility, located on Captain Amangala Street in Borokiri, Port Harcourt, was shut down during an unscheduled inspection on Monday by the Rivers State Anti-Quackery Committee, led by Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, Director of Medical Services at the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
According to a statement signed by Dr. Hope Avundaa on behalf of the Rivers State Interprofessional Anti-Quackery Committee, the inspection was prompted by reports of the death of Mrs. Victoria Paris, who died after undergoing a caesarean section at the facility. Medical personnel allegedly refused to administer a blood transfusion to the patient due to religious beliefs.
The committee's investigation revealed that the clinic was operating from a three-bedroom apartment that had been converted into a six-bed maternity home, run by one Comfort Etuk. The facility had no licensed nurse on site and was functioning beyond its approved scope, including performing surgical procedures in a poorly equipped environment.
"The facility also lacked a standard sterilization unit and failed to meet Infection Prevention and Control standards," the statement noted.
As part of its enforcement actions, the committee has summoned all health workers, including doctors affiliated with the facility, to appear before the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) panel.
Dr. Diamond Tamunokuro, the state chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), condemned the unethical practices of medical doctors working in substandard maternity homes, describing such affiliations as "highly unprofessional and dangerous."
The statement emphasized that this action 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."
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about medical standards and practices in private healthcare facilities across Nigeria, particularly regarding adherence to professional ethics and patient safety protocols.
