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By Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The Edo State Government has warned against medical quackery and the operation of illegal healthcare facilities following a disturbing incident in which a newborn baby reportedly suffered severe complications after alleged mishandling by an unqualified birth attendant.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, issued the warning during an inspection visit to the facility where the incident allegedly occurred, describing its condition as unhygienic and unacceptable for any healthcare establishment.
As part of efforts to prevent a recurrence, the Commissioner directed relevant regulatory agencies to intensify surveillance, monitoring and inspection of healthcare facilities across the state’s 18 local government areas to identify and shut down illegal medical establishments.
He also urged expectant mothers and their families to seek antenatal care and delivery services only from recognised healthcare facilities staffed by qualified medical professionals, warning against patronising unlicensed birth attendants.
Reaffirming the Okpebholo administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, Oshiomhole stressed that the government would not tolerate practices that endanger the lives of mothers and newborns.
He reiterated that no woman should die during childbirth, or any newborn suffer preventable complications, as a result of negligence, medical quackery or the actions of unqualified healthcare practitioners.
