The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services has sealed off 12 unlicensed hospitals and clinics across Buruku, Ushongo, and Kwande Local Government Areas in a sweeping operation against quack medical practices.
The enforcement exercise, carried out on Thursday, was led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Beatrice AondoNguemo Tsavmbu, alongside senior officials including the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Agbadu Iorbee Joshua; Director of Public Health, Mrs. Esther Menger; and Director of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Mr. Anyebe Boniface.
In Buruku, the affected facilities are Ella Community Health Centre, Tyowanye, and St. William Community Health Centre, Abwa.
In Ushongo, De Poloo Community Health Centre, Uli Dispensary, City Community Health Centre, and Tomkenti Community Health Centre were shut down.
In Kwande, Luter Clinic and Maternity in Ikyogen—flagged by community leaders for “harvesting lives like wildfire”—was sealed along with Akumator Tsaha Community Health Centre, Primary Health Centre Adagi, Ahobee Memorial Hospital, Divine Community Health Centre, and Tor Chibee Community Health Centre.
The closures were based on the absence of operating licences, poor sanitary conditions, and non-compliance with state health regulations.
Dr. Tsavmbu condemned the proliferation of illegal facilities, warning residents that “patronizing these centres is tantamount to embarking on a suicide mission.” She vowed that the state government will continue to stamp out medical quackery, stressing that the exercise aligns with Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s commitment to upgrading and equipping public health centres across Benue.
The inspection team also paid unscheduled visits to Mbagen College of Health Technology and Mbagen Community Hospital in Abwa, commending both institutions for maintaining high standards of public health.
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