The Delta State Ministry of Health has sealed up Onome Specialist Hospital, an illegal health facility operating in Oguma Street, Off Jakpa Road, in Uvwie Local Government Area.
The Ministry arrested one Bernard Onome Arhagba, who impersonated as a medical doctor with several degrees, as well as other support staff also operating as quacks in the hospital.
When the Ministry of Health officials visited the hospital premises, it was discovered that serious medical activities were going on with several gullible in and out patients in attendance.
The hospital advertized that it offered services such as acupuncture, acupressure, xray, medical laboratories, ultra sound and allopathy services but also claimed to provide treatment for medical care ranging from cardiovascular conditions to ear and eye ailments, liver, kidney, lung and brain diseases among others.
On interrogation, the said fake Dr Bernard Onome Arhagba, admitted to be an impersonator and also admitted the consequences of impersonating as a medical doctor.
Anticipating a possible violation of the seal placed on the premises, the Ministry officials paid a second visit to the hospital the next day and discovered that another set of impostors has started reorganizing the place and attending to patients. They were promptly arrested and handed over to the police.
In an interview, the Ministry’s monitoring team leader, Dr Alfred Ebiakofa, said all those arrested would be prosecuted to act as deterrent to others still operating as impersonators and quacks, stressing that no reasonable government would fold its arms and allow illegalities to go unchecked.
He advised residents of the State to be weary of where they go for medical treatment in order for them not to lose their lives untimely.