St. John’s Hospital in Otukpo has been shuttered by the Benue State Government due to suspected medical standards violations, including a concerning occurrence when a patient apparently had both breasts removed on November 25 without following the correct clinical protocol.
Dr. Paul Ogwuche, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, verified the information on Saturday. He clarified that the reason for the facility’s sealing was “not adherence to established clinical guidelines.”
He claimed that following several reports of unethical behavior, the ministry had been monitoring the institution. On Friday, an inspection was conducted by an enforcement team.
Dr. Agbadu Joshua, the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Alex Iorbo, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association’s Anti-Quackery Committee, and the Desk Officers for Otukpo and Gboko LGAs, who were already performing regular inspections in the area, oversaw the operation.
“This is part of the state government’s intensified campaign against quackery and substandard medical practice,” said Ogwuche.
“The team discovered that St. John’s Hospital Otukpo was operating in an unsafe and subpar environment and that it was not adhering to established treatment practices during the examination.
“Among the malpractices was a reported case of a patient’s two breasts being removed on November 25 without following established clinical guidelines.”
The facility was “immediately sealed,” he said, adding that the Medical Superintendent had received a question and was required to appear before the ministry on Monday for more questioning.
The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining public safety, stating that the administration is still dedicated to advancing morally sound, safe, and standard-driven healthcare services throughout Benue.
The state “will not hesitate to take firm action against any facility found endangering patient lives,” he said, asking professionals to maintain professional standards in order to avoid penalties.
The most recent closure follows the state’s closure of St. Peter and Paul Community Health Centre and Maternity in Lessel, Ushongo LGA, due to what officials described as grave professional misconduct, underscoring the government’s continuous efforts to purge the health sector.
