FCTA shuts down unregistered clinic, arrests ‘health worker’

The federal capital territory administration (FCTA) has shut down an unregistered healthcare facility, Dada’s Clinic and Maternity Ltd., operating in Kapwa, Gaube community in the Kuje area council of Abuja.

In a statement issued on Monday, Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant on public communications and social media to Nyesom Wike, FCT minister, said the facility, located along the main road leading to the community, was shut on Sunday by the private health establishments registration and monitoring committee (PHERMC).

Olayinka said the FCT director of the medical and diagnostics department led the team.

He said that one Sabiu, who introduced himself as the health worker managing the facility, was arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation.

The minister’s aide added that the visit followed allegations that the facility was operating without registration and conducting medical procedures in a rented apartment unfit for healthcare services, under the guise of medical outreach.

Olayinka said Sabiu had admitted that the clinic was not duly registered with PHERMC.

He added that preliminary findings have indicated that a community elder had tragically passed away following a hernia operation performed at the facility.

“Additionally, multiple reports emerged of patients who barely survived procedures and required emergency medical care elsewhere,” the statement reads.

“The facility, an unpainted building with burglar-proof ironwork at the entrance, was in a dilapidated and unsanitary condition.

“It lacked windows, doors, and basic amenities such as a reception area, nursing station, bathroom, or toilet.

“The structure had four rooms and a general area, including an unfinished extension in an unacceptable sanitary condition.

“At the time of the visit, three patients were on admission, including an elderly patient receiving intravenous infusion.”

Olayinka added that all patients in the facility were confirmed to be stable and were referred to Kuje General Hospital for proper medical care.

He said Wike is committed to ensuring safe and regulated healthcare services through facility accreditation as a simple process, adding that “there is no excuse for operating illegally”.