The Anambra State government has rescued six pregnant teenagers from a ‘baby factory’ at Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, said the alleged baby factory was raided by the Health Facility Accreditation and Monitoring Unit and security operatives.
He said the facility located at 1, School Road, Tansian University in Umunya, was known as Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity’
According to him, nurses locked up the facility and fled when monitoring officials requested to see the doctor on duty to know why the place was not registered with the government.
He added that security operatives, including OCHA-Brigade, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the police, assisted the monitoring team in gaining access into the facility.
“When we gained access into the facility, we discovered six underage pregnant girls, within ages 14, 15, 16, 17 and 21, allegedly camped against their wishes.
“We interviewed these girls and they told us they are being camped by one self acclaimed doctor who they identified as Mr Odili Ossai from Delta State, now at large.
“According to them, 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,” he said.
Obidike reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Charles Soludo’s administration in stamping out fake and quack hospitals across the state.
“Under the state’s Health Facility Accreditation and Monitoring Unit, we have equally established the state 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 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 website where people can easily have access to approved and registered health facilities in the state,” he said.
The Commissioner urged residents to report any illegal activities, malpractices or concerns related to healthcare services in the state. (The Nation)
