DEATH OF WOMAN REFUSED BLOOD TRANSFUSION: RIVERS STATE SEALS MATERNITY CLINIC

The Rivers State Anti-Quackery Committee has sealed a health facility known as Standard Maternity Clinic in Port Harcourt for engaging in unprofessional practices. It also approved the revocation of the registration license of the health facility, located off Captain Amangala Street in Borokiri, Port Harcourt. The Committee took both actions following an unscheduled inspection of Standard Maternity Clinic, which was led by the Director of Medical Services, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr Vincent Wachukwu. The impromptu visit was as a result of the controversial death one Victoria Paris, after undergoing a Caesarean Section at the facility. The deceased was allegedly refused blood transfusion by the medical personnel based on religious beliefs. In a statement signed by Doctor Hope Avundaa, the Rivers State Inter-Professional Anti-Quackery Committee revealed that the facility owned by one Comfort Etuk, operated from a three-bedroom apartment, which was converted into a six-bed maternity home. The Committee further that the inspections revealed that the clinic had no licensed nurse and was functioning beyond its approved scope, including performing surgical procedures in a poorly equipped environment. Additionally, the Committee has summoned all health workers, including doctors affiliated with the facility, to appear before a panel of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. Meanwhile, the State Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Diamond Tamunokuro, has condemned unethical practices by medical doctors working in substandard maternity homes, saying such affiliations was highly unprofessional and dangerous.