On Wednesday, the Anambra State Government, in partnership with security operatives, rescued six pregnant teens from 'a baby-making factory' in Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area.
Following the raid, Dr. Afam Obidike, the State Commissioner for Health, informed reporters that the baby factory where infants were being sold was called "Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity" located at Tansian University, No. 1, School Road, Umunya, Anambra.
Obidike stated that the operation was disrupted when the state's Health institution, Accreditation, and Monitoring Unit showed up to the institution for its regular inspection.
He stated that when they asked to speak with the doctor on-duty to find out why the clinic wasn't registered with the state government, the nurses they saw locked up the place and fled.
He said that later on, the monitoring team received assistance from security operatives such as the police, OCHA-Brigade, and Civil Defence Corps to gain access to the facility.
He said, “When we gained access to 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 wishes.
“We interviewed these girls, and they told us that they were being camped by one self-acclaimed doctor, whom they identified as Mr Odili Ossai from Delta State, now at large.
“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,”.
Obidike restated the administration of Governor Charles Soludo's pledge to eradicate fake and fraudulent hospitals throughout 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 Anambra 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 said.
The commissioner asked the general public to report any unlawful activity, malpractices, or issues pertaining to state healthcare services.
Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, Director of Medical Services also spoke, advising other quack and fake doctors in the state to shut down operations right now or face the full wrath of the law.
