As part of the state government’s intensified campaign against quackery and substandard medical practice, the Benue State Government has sealed St. John’s Hospital in Otukpo local Government area of the State.
The hospital was closed down by the Ministry of Health and Human service’s enforcement team led by the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Agbadu Iorbee Joshua, with support from the Chairman of the Anti-Quackery Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Alex Tyover Iorbo, and Desk Officers for Otukpo and Gboko LGAs on routine field monitoring across Otukpo and its environs.
During the inspection of St. John’s Hospital Otukpo, the team found the facility operating in a substandard and unsafe environment and also failed to follow approved treatment protocols.
This include a reported case of the removal of both breasts of a patient allegedly carried out on the 25th of November without adherence to established clinical guidelines.
The hospital was immediately sealed, and the Medical Superintendent was issued a formal query and directed to report to the Ministry for further investigation.
State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche
reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia to ensuring safe, ethical, and high-quality healthcare services for all residents of Benue State.
He warned that the government would not hesitate to take firm action against any facility found endangering patient lives.
The Ministry had earlier shut down St. Peter and Paul Community Health Centre and Maternity in Lessel, Ushongo Local Government, over gross professional misconduct, underscoring the government’s sustained effort to sanitize the health sector.
The Commissioner urged all healthcare workers to maintain strict professional standards or face regulatory consequences.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
