The Anambra State Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal medical practice with the arrest of a 47-year-old woman, Mrs Onyinyechi Esther Charles, who is accused of carrying out surgical procedures without the required medical qualifications.
Charles, an indigene of Abia State married to a man from Nteje, allegedly operated a traditional birth attendant (TBA) facility in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, where she reportedly performed caesarean sections, normal vaginal deliveries and other surgical procedures despite lacking the necessary medical training and authorisation.
According to the Anambra State Ministry of Health, the facility has been linked to cases of medical complications and reported fatalities.
The arrest followed investigations ordered by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, as part of the state's ongoing efforts to eliminate quack medical practitioners and safeguard residents' lives.
The ministry said the suspect allegedly admitted during interrogation that she carried out caesarean sections, normal deliveries and other surgical procedures without the required qualifications or approval.
Officials also claimed she was formerly known as Eze Nwanyi before later becoming a church minister and presenting herself as a surgeon.
During an inspection of the facility on Sunday, July 12, Dr Obidike, accompanied by the Mayor of Anambra East Local Government Area, Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze, and security personnel, reportedly recovered surgical instruments and other medical equipment believed to have been used in the alleged unauthorised procedures.
Authorities also found hospital beds where patients were reportedly treated, as well as what appeared to be a shrine and an altar within the premises.
The Anambra State Government said the facility has been confiscated pending the conclusion of legal proceedings, while the suspect is expected to be arraigned.
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