The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered a sweeping crackdown on unlicensed hospitals and unqualified medical practitioners operating within Abuja.
Wike directed that anyone found running or working in unauthorized health facilities be arrested and prosecuted without delay. His order came in response to the tragic death of a pregnant woman at Afolmi Hospital, a private clinic in Durumi, following a caesarean section.
Lere Olayinka, the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, described the incident as deeply unfortunate.
He noted that despite the availability of free healthcare services through the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), many residents still patronize illegal medical centres.
“In the FCT, vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, are entitled to free enrollment in the FHIS, which grants access to services at Primary Health Care Centres under the Basic Minimum Package of Health Services,” Olayinka explained.
He further highlighted that under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, several general hospitals—such as Gwarinpa, Nyanya, Abaji, and Kuje—have been equipped as Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care Centres, offering free caesarean sections to pregnant women.
“Our expectant mothers are encouraged to take full advantage of these services and avoid seeking care from unauthorized medical personnel and facilities,” he added.
Speaking on the Durumi case, Olayinka revealed that investigations by the Private Health Establishments Registration and Monitoring Committee confirmed that Afolmi Hospital was not legally registered.
During a visit to the facility, investigators met only one staff member, Simon Elisha Godiya, who identified himself as a Junior Community Health Extension Worker.
Godiya claimed that the surgery had been carried out by an individual named Murtala Jumma alongside another yet-to-be-identified person.
Efforts to reach Jumma have so far been unsuccessful.
According to Olayinka, officers from the Durumi Divisional Police Headquarters also inspected the hospital, and the case has been formally transferred to the police for deeper investigation.
“The police are now working to trace those responsible for the surgery, verify their medical credentials, and uncover the circumstances surrounding the death of the late Chekwube Chinagorom,” he stated.