Anambra Govt seals baby factory in Awka

From Emeka Chiaghnam, Awka

A health dispensary home in Amansea, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State that illegally harbours pregnant young women and girls, until they deliver their babies, has been uncovered..

The baby factory operated under the aegis of St. Norbert Hospital. Health authorities were alerted to their activities following a tip-off by whistleblowers from the community.

It was also gathered that they  also engage in quackery and giving illegal medical services to people in the area.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, residents interviewed said many women have lost their lives while patronising the clinic which lacks wards with what they designated as surgical ward that lacked both in hygiene and facilities.

Residents said hints from their own sources made the clinic to play a fast one by removing their ‘clients’ before the arrival of a team of Anambra State Ministry of Health to the premises, on Tuesday.

Speaking after sealing the clinic, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike reiterating Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration commitment to securing a healthy Anambra stated that   government decided to permanently seal off the premises as a warning that there is no room for such illegal activities in Anambra’s healthcare delivery.

Dr Obidike maintained that under Gov. Soludu’s administration there is no room for illegal practices, particularly when it has to do with health and well-being, “government is continuously fighting quackery in the health system and will not take it lightly with any unprofessional healthcare giver operating in the state,” he said.

The Commissioner also called on people of the area to consult registered physicians for their health needs rather than patronising quacks and unregistered clinics to the detriment of their health.