Anambra arrests 47-year-old fake surgeon, operating unlicensed maternity

The Anambra state Ministry of Health, Sunday, arrested a 47-year-old woman, Mrs Onyinyechi Esther Charles, for allegedly operating traditional birth attendance (TBA) facility at Umueri, Anambra East local government area as a surgeon.

According to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, Mrs Charles was arrested after investigations revealed she was performing caesarean sections, normal vaginal deliveries as well as carrying out other surgical procedures for many years without having relevant qualifications and license.

He added that she would be charged to court for prosecution, noting that the State was determined arrest to eliminate illegal medical practices in order to protect the lives of the residents.

Blueprint gathered that the suspect was arrested during an inspection of her facility on Sunday by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, accompanied by the local government area chairman, Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze, and security personnel.

The commissioner while sealing the facility and recovering some of her medical and surgical instruments, warned the public to stop seeking medical care from unlicensed facilities or unqualified persons so as not to endanger their lives.

Contributing, the LGA chairman, Hon. Chinweze, urged residents to always report suspected illegal health facilities for immediate actions as well as desist from patronising such facilities.