Ikenna Obianeri
Officials of the Anambra State Government in collaboration with security operatives on Wednesday raided a baby factory at Umunya in the Oyi Local Government Area and rescued six pregnant teenagers from the facility.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, told journalists that the facility where the babies were being sold was known as, Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity, located on a road along the Tansian University road.
He said the Anambra State Health Facility, Accreditation and Monitoring Unit, arrived at the facility for routine inspection when it made the discovery.
According to him, the medical attendants working in the facility locked up the place and ran away after the team requested to see the doctor on duty to find out why the facility was not registered with the state government.
“Security operatives including OCHA-Brigade, Civil Defence Corps and the Police later assisted the monitoring team in gaining access into the facility.
“When we gained access to the facility, what we saw was shocking. We discovered six underaged pregnant girls, between the ages of 14, 15, 16, 17 and 21 years, allegedly camped against their wishes.
“We interviewed these girls and they told us that they were camped by one self-acclaimed doctor, who they identified as Mr Odili Ossai from Delta State, who is now at large.
“They said when they deliver the babies, the operator of the facility, will sell them. Five persons have been arrested in connection with the ‘baby factory’ and the police will carry out further investigation.”
The commissioner urged residents to report any illegal activities, malpractices or concerns related to healthcare services in the state and reiterated Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to stamp out fake and quack hospitals across the state.
Copyright PUNCH
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
