Benue govt seals St. John’s Hospital Otukpo over alleged quackery, unsafe medical practices

By Johnson Arua

The Benue State Government has shut down St. John’s Hospital, Otukpo, over alleged substandard operations and unsafe medical practices, in a renewed effort to curb quackery and strengthen healthcare regulation across the state.

Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, deployed the Ministry’s enforcement team over the weekend for routine monitoring in Otukpo and adjoining communities. The team was led by the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Joshua Agbadu, and included the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Anti-Quackery Committee, Dr. Alex Iorbo, along with Desk Officers for Otukpo and Gboko LGAs.

During an inspection of St. John’s Hospital, officials reportedly uncovered multiple violations, including operation in a substandard environment and failure to comply with approved clinical protocols. One of the most disturbing findings, according to the enforcement team, was a reported surgical removal of both breasts of a patient on November 25, an operation allegedly conducted without adherence to established medical guidelines.

Following the discovery, the hospital was immediately sealed, while its Medical Superintendent was issued a query and directed to appear before the Ministry for further investigation.

Dr. Ogwuche reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration to safeguarding public health, insisting that all healthcare facilities must adhere strictly to ethical and professional standards. He warned that government “will not hesitate to impose stringent sanctions on any hospital or clinic found to be endangering patient lives.”

The commissioner noted that the action aligns with the government’s recent enforcement drive, including the closure of St. Peter and Paul Community Health Centre and Maternity in Lessel, Ushongo LGA, over gross professional misconduct.

He urged healthcare providers across the state to uphold high professional standards or face decisive regulatory action.