Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services has commenced a statewide clampdown on illegal health facilities, beginning with an enforcement operation in Vandeikya Local Government Area.
The targeted facilities include: Num Clinic, Abatse-Tsambe; Msendoo Clinic & Maternity, Ihugh; Alex Clinic & Maternity, Gbem; Tsenum Clinic & Maternity, located behind Agu Market along Tse-Mker–Vandeikya Road. Others are Emmanuel Clinic & Maternity, Adeiyongo-Tsambe; Bem & Dooshima (now Iwueseter) Clinic and Maternity, Ihugh; and Aondoakaa Clinic & Maternity, Ihugh.
Several of these facilities were sealed for various violations such as operating without licenses, maintaining unhygienic premises, poor waste management, and employing unqualified personnel.
Reacting to the findings, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Dr. Beatrice Tsavmbu, expressed dismay over the state of some clinics, describing them as “potential death traps” that pose serious threats to public health.
She stressed that the Ministry, in line with the directive of the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, will not permit the continued operation of illegal and substandard medical centres.
“The Governor is currently facelifting and constructing modern, well-equipped health centres across the state.
“Residents are strongly encouraged to seek care at these approved government facilities rather than risk their lives with quack operators,” she stated.
Dr. Tsavmbu warned that patronizing unregistered clinics is a “suicide mission” due to the hazardous conditions under which many of them operate.
At Iwueseter Clinic & Maternity, Ihugh, officials discovered a heap of medical waste including used syringes and blades dumped in front of the theatre, while a foul-smelling open gutter ran behind the maternity windows.
The premises were also overrun by bushes. The facility was immediately sealed.
Similarly, at Alex Clinic and Maternity in Gbem, the team found that the clinic shared space with a residential unit, rabbit pens, and bags of local beans stored inside the theatre, some stained with blood. The clinic was promptly shut down.
Holy Emmanuel Clinic and Maternity, Adeiyongo, was also sealed for operating in similarly disturbing conditions.
The Permanent Secretary was accompanied during the inspection by the Director of Medical Services and other top officials of the Ministry.
