The Anambra State Government has intensified its clampdown on illegal medical practice with the arrest of a 47-year-old woman, Onyinyechi Esther Charles, for allegedly performing caesarean sections and other surgical procedures without the required medical qualifications.
Charles, an indigene of Abia State married to a native of Nteje in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, allegedly operated a traditional birth attendant (TBA) centre in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, where she carried out surgeries, supervised childbirth and provided other medical services despite lacking professional certification.
According to the state government, the facility has been linked to several cases of medical complications and alleged deaths.
The arrest followed an investigation ordered by the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, as part of the Soludo administration’s ongoing efforts to eliminate quack medical practitioners and improve healthcare standards in the state.
The Ministry of Health said the suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation to conducting cesarean sections, normal deliveries, and other surgical procedures without legal authorization or professional qualifications.
It further disclosed that Charles, who was formerly known as “Eze Nwanyi,” later became a church minister before allegedly presenting herself as a surgeon.
During an inspection of the facility on Sunday, Obidike, accompanied by the Mayor of Anambra East Local Government Area, Ifeanyi Chinweze, and security personnel, recovered surgical instruments and other medical equipment allegedly used in carrying out the unauthorised procedures.
Hospital beds where patients were reportedly treated were also found within the premises, while officials discovered a shrine and an altar, raising further concerns about activities at the facility.
The state government has sealed the premises and confiscated the facility pending the conclusion of legal proceedings. The suspect is expected to be arraigned before a competent court.
Describing the discovery as disturbing, Obidike said the government would not tolerate individuals who endanger lives by posing as qualified healthcare professionals.
He urged residents, especially expectant mothers, to avoid patronising unlicensed health facilities and unqualified practitioners, advising them to seek medical care only from government-approved hospitals and duly registered healthcare providers.
“The Ministry of Health would sustain surveillance and enforcement operations across the state to identify, prosecute and eliminate illegal medical practitioners.
“The Soludo administration remains committed to sanitising the health sector by ensuring that only licensed and qualified professionals provide medical and surgical services in Anambra,” he said.
Also speaking during the inspection, Chinweze commended the Ministry of Health and security agencies for uncovering the alleged illegal operation.
He assured residents of the local government’s continued support for efforts to eliminate quackery and other unlawful practices that threaten public safety, while urging members of the public to report suspected illegal health facilities to the appropriate authorities.
The suspect is expected to stand trial, where the court will determine the allegations against her.
