Cross River Shuts Three Private Clinics Over Alleged Quackery
State government cites unqualified personnel, unsafe practices, outdated infrastructure and non-compliance with healthcare regulations.
Cross River Cracks Down on Illegal Health Facilities
THE Cross River State Government has intensified its campaign against medical quackery with the closure of three private health facilities allegedly operating in violation of established healthcare regulations.
The action followed an inspection by the state’s Health Quality and Anti-Quackery Task Force after intelligence reports raised concerns over the operations of the affected facilities in the Central Senatorial District.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by officials of the Department of Medical and Dental Services (DMDS), Dr. Stephen Agbor and Dr. Dan Abubakar.
Facilities Shut Over Multiple Infractions
According to the state Ministry of Health, the affected facilities are Gifted Hands Empowerment Foundation in Ikom and Ekori, Rockalive Medical Centre in Nko, and Benson Clinic in Ikom.
The ministry said the inspections uncovered several violations, including alleged operation without registration, engagement of unqualified personnel, obsolete facilities and failure to meet the minimum standards required for healthcare delivery.
Officials explained that the enforcement exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and ensure that residents receive treatment only from licensed and properly equipped medical establishments.
Concerns Over Safety & Professional Standards
The ministry alleged that Gifted Hands Empowerment Foundation operated without registration with the state Ministry of Health and lacked qualified and licensed healthcare professionals.
It also claimed that the facility functioned in a clinically unsafe environment and had recorded cases of post-surgical mortality.
According to the ministry, one of the foundation’s satellite clinics in Ekori was reportedly linked to the death of a woman shortly after a surgical procedure in June, prompting heightened scrutiny by health authorities.
Similarly, Rockalive Medical Centre in Nko was accused of operating with unqualified personnel while lacking essential medical equipment needed for safe healthcare delivery.
Teacher Allegedly Running Clinic
The task force also ordered the closure of Benson Clinic in Ikom, alleging that it was being managed by an individual whose primary profession is teaching and who had no recognised medical training.
Officials further alleged that the facility had no licensed medical doctor on duty, lacked basic hospital equipment and engaged in unethical medical practices.
The government stressed that healthcare providers must comply with regulatory standards to protect patients from avoidable risks.
Government Reaffirms Anti-Quackery Drive
The Cross River Ministry of Health reiterated its commitment to strengthening quality assurance within the state’s healthcare system through continuous inspections and enforcement actions.
It urged residents to seek medical treatment only from licensed health facilities operated by qualified professionals, while warning that individuals or organisations found violating healthcare regulations would face appropriate sanctions under the law.
The ministry added that the anti-quackery campaign would continue across the state as part of broader efforts to improve healthcare standards and protect public safety.
