The Anambra State Government has arrested a 47-year-old woman, Onyinyechi Charles, for allegedly running an unregistered traditional birth attendant centre in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area.
Charles, a native of Abia State, was accused of conducting medical procedures at the facility, including caesarean sections, vaginal deliveries and other forms of surgery without official approval.
The arrest followed an investigation ordered by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, as part of efforts by the government to clamp down on illegal healthcare practices and prevent avoidable deaths.
Obidike, during an inspection of the facility on Sunday alongside the Chairman of Anambra East LGA, Ifeanyi Chinweze, and security operatives, discovered surgical tools and other medical equipment allegedly used for the procedures.
Authorities also found hospital beds reportedly used for patients, while further checks revealed what appeared to be a shrine and an altar inside the premises.
Describing the discovery as alarming, the health commissioner said allowing unqualified persons to perform medical procedures posed a grave danger to residents’ lives.
He cautioned members of the public, especially pregnant women, against patronising unapproved health centres and advised them to seek treatment only from licensed hospitals and registered healthcare professionals.
Obidike assured residents that the Ministry of Health would continue its monitoring and enforcement activities across the state to uncover illegal medical operations and ensure that those involved face prosecution.