The Anambra State Government in partnership with security agents on Wednesday rescued six pregnant teenagers from ‘a baby-making factory’ at Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, told journalists after the raid that the baby factory where babies were being sold had the name ‘Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity’.
According to him, the state’s Health Facility, Accreditation and Monitoring Unit arrived at the facility for its routine inspection when it uncovered the operation.
He added that the nurses working in the establishment locked up the hospital and ran away after they requested to see the doctor on duty to find out why the facility was not registered with the state government.
The commissioner said security operatives including OCHA-Brigade, Civil Defence Corps and the Police later assisted the monitoring team in gaining access into the facility.
“When we gained access into the facility, what we saw was shocking. We discovered six underaged pregnant girls, within ages 14, 15,16, 17 and 21 years, allegedly camped against their wish.
“We interviewed these girls and they told us that they were being camped by one self-acclaimed doctor, who they identified as Mr Odili Ossai from Delta State, now at large,” he said.
The commissioner urged residents to report any illegal activities, malpractices or concerns related to healthcare services in the state.
