The Enugu State Ministry of Health has arrested a man posing as a medical doctor and sealed an unlicensed hospital in Obollo-Etiti, Udenu Local Government Area, following revelations that the facility was operating without proper authorization and endangering patients’ lives.
In a statement obtained by PUNCH Metro on Sunday, the ministry, through its Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Ugodu Avemaria, said the operation was coordinated by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu. The raid uncovered alarming evidence of unhygienic conditions and unfit facilities at the hospital, named St. Joseph Memorial Hospital, Ada-ulo Obollo-Etiti Community.
“The enforcement team, acting on credible intelligence and complaints from concerned residents, stormed the facility recently, where they discovered that the owner has been conducting surgical procedures in his consulting room and other medical practices in an environment grossly unfit for any form of operative care,” Avemaria said.
She added, “The self-proclaimed doctor had no medical licence, no professional training, and no authorisation from the state ministry of health. Despite this, he routinely performed surgical operations, endangering the lives of residents who unsuspectingly sought care.”
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Residents of the community reportedly expressed shock at the discovery of the man’s true identity, having believed him to be a qualified medical professional for years.
The ministry quoted the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Amaechi Mgbodile, as saying that “the closure aligns with the state government’s broader campaign to eliminate quackery, ensure patient safety, and enforce minimum standards across all health facilities.”
Dr. Mgbodile further stressed that no facility is allowed to perform surgeries without “proper registration, qualified health personnel, sterile equipment and approved theatre environment.”
The fake doctor, identified as Mr. Kenneth Mamah, has been handed over to security agencies for further investigation and potential prosecution under Governor Peter Mba’s zero-tolerance policy on medical quackery.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area, Aka Eze Aka, assured the public that surveillance efforts would be intensified to detect and apprehend other unlicensed practitioners operating in rural communities.