The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced a full clampdown on unregistered hospitals and unqualified medical personnel operating within the FCT. The move follows the tragic death of a pregnant woman at an unregistered private health facility in Durumi, Abuja, after undergoing a caesarean section.
The directive, disclosed by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, comes after the incident in which 35-year-old Chekwube Chinagorom was brought dead to Asokoro District Hospital following surgery at the unregistered facility. The baby survived and was transferred to the hospital for further care.
Wike warned that anyone found operating an illegal medical facility or working without proper registration would face arrest and prosecution. Despite the availability of free registration for pregnant women under the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), many still bypass the program, putting themselves at risk.
Olayinka highlighted the government’s efforts to reduce maternal mortality, with several hospitals, including Gwarinpa, Nyanya, Abaji, and Kuje General Hospitals, designated as Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care centers, offering free caesarean sections.
Following the incident, investigations by the Private Health Establishments Registration and Monitoring Committee (PHERMC) revealed the Durumi facility was unregistered. The two individuals who performed the surgery are currently untraceable. The police have taken over the investigation to determine those responsible for the surgery and the circumstances surrounding Chinagorom’s death.