The Anambra State Government, in collaboration with security operatives, burst into and rescued six girls from ‘a baby-making factory’ in Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, told journalists after the raid that the baby factory, where babies were being sold, operated under the name ‘Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity.’
The baby factory is located at No. 1, School Road, Tansian University in Umunya, Anambra State.
Obidike stated that the state’s Health Facility Accreditation and Monitoring Unit conducted a routine inspection of the facility, leading to the raid.
He mentioned that upon arrival, the nurses at the facility locked it up and fled when asked to produce the doctor on duty and explain why the facility wasn’t registered with the state government.
Security operatives, including the OCHA-Brigade, Civil Defence Corps, and the Police, later assisted the monitoring team in gaining access to the facility.
“When we gained access to the facility, what we saw was shocking. We discovered six underaged pregnant girls, aged between 14 and 21, allegedly being held against their will.
“We interviewed these girls, and they informed us that they were being held by a self-proclaimed doctor identified as Mr. Odili Ossai from Delta State, who is currently at large.
“According to them, Mr. Ossai, who owns the facility, would sell the babies after they deliver them.
“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 to stamp out fake and quack hospitals across the state.
“Under the state’s Health Facility Accreditation and Monitoring Unit, we have also established the state Illegal and Anti-Quackery Taskforce Team.
“The primary objective of the taskforce team is to eliminate illegal and unethical 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 worth noting that the state Ministry of Health has successfully built a database website where people can easily access 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.
Also speaking, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, Director of Medical Services, cautioned other fake and quack doctors operating in the state to shut down immediately.
According to him, if caught, they will face the full wrath of the law.
