The Political Head (Minister) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered a full-scale crackdown on illegal hospitals and unqualified medical practitioners operating within the territory. He directed that individuals found working in or running unregistered health facilities should face immediate arrest and prosecution.
The directive followed the death of a pregnant woman, Chekwube Chinagorom, who died after undergoing a caesarean section at Afolmi Hospital, a private, unlicensed medical facility located in Durumi, Abuja.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, expressed dismay that many expectant mothers were not enrolling in the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) despite its free registration.
He stressed that vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, benefit from complimentary enrollment in the FHIS, granting them access through Primary Health Care Centres to a range of essential medical services.
Olayinka further noted that in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, several hospitals within the FCT — such as those in Gwarinpa, Nyanya, Abaji, and Kuje — have been designated as Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (CEONC) centres. These facilities offer free caesarean section services.
He urged pregnant women to prioritise registered health facilities and shun unsafe practices by visiting only approved medical centres.
Chinagorom, aged 35, was brought in dead to Asokoro District Hospital after undergoing surgery at the unregistered Afolmi Hospital. Although her newborn survived and was transferred to Asokoro for continued care, the circumstances surrounding her death have raised serious concerns.
An investigation conducted by the Private Health Establishments Registration and Monitoring Committee (PHERMC) found that Afolmi Hospital was operating without proper registration. During inspection, only one individual, identified as Simon Elisha Godiya, a Junior Community Health Extension Worker (JCHEW), was present.
Godiya disclosed that the surgical procedure was carried out by one Murtala Jumma, assisted by an unidentified person. Efforts to reach Jumma were unsuccessful.
Following the inspection, officers from the Nigeria Police, Durumi Divisional Headquarters, arrived at the scene. The case was promptly transferred to the Police for deeper investigation. Members of the PHERMC team also accompanied law enforcement officers to the station to make formal reports.
