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By Madu Obi
The Anambra State government on Wednesday discovered another baby factory in the state and rescued six pregnant teenagers there.
Recall that a similar factory was discovered at Nkwele Ezunaka last year and the operators arrested.
Security operatives, along with officials of the state government busted the latest baby factory located in an isolated area at Umunya in Oyi local government area of the state, a neighbouring community to Nkwele Ezunaka.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike said although there was a signboard that read, 'Mother and Child Hospital' at that location, the real business was harbouring of pregnant girls in the camp and selling their babies on delivery to willing buyers.
According to Obidike, the state's Health Facility, Accreditation and Monitoring Unit arrived the facility for routine inspection, only to discover that it was a baby factory.
He said that when the nurses saw monitoring team, they locked up the facility and ran away, adding that when the team also requested to see the doctor on duty to find out why the facility was not registered with the state government, nobody could provide any answer.
Obidike said: "When we gained access into the facility, what we saw was shocking. We discovered six underaged pregnant girls, within the ages 14, 15,16, 17 and 21 camped against their wish."
"We interviewed the girls and they told us they are being camped by one self- acclaimed doctor who they identified as Mr Odili Ossai from Delta State, now at large."
"According to the girls, when they deliver the babies, Mr Ossai, who owns the facility, will sell the babies."
"Five persons have been arrested in
connection with the operation of the factory and the police will carry out further investigation.".
Reaffirming the commitment of the state government to stamp out fake and quack hospitals across the state, Obidike added: "Under the state's Health Facility Accreditation and Monitoring Unit, we have established the state Illegal and Anti-Quackery Taskforce Team.
"The primary objective of the taskforce is to eliminate illegal and unethical sharp practices within health facilities and enhance the quality of healthcare services in the state."
"The state government is determined to eliminate all illegal health facilities and quackery."
"It is also worthy to note that the state Ministry of Health has successfully built a database website where people can easily have access to approved and registered health facilities in the state".
He urged residents of the state to report illegal activities, malpractices or concerns related to healthcare services in the state.
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