The Benue State Government has sealed St. John’s Hospital in Otukpo following reports of serious medical malpractice, including an alleged case in which a patient reportedly had both breasts removed on November 25 without following proper clinical procedures.
Confirming the closure, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, said the hospital was operating “in a substandard and unsafe environment” and had failed to follow approved treatment protocols.
He emphasized that the action was part of the government’s intensified campaign against quackery and unethical medical practices.
Ogwuche explained that the ministry had been monitoring the hospital after receiving multiple complaints of malpractice.
An enforcement team, led by the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Agbadu Joshua, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association’s Anti-Quackery Committee, Dr. Alex Iorbo, conducted the inspection along with local health officers from Otukpo and Gboko LGAs.
“The inspection revealed serious violations, including the reported removal of both breasts of a patient without adherence to clinical guidelines,” Ogwuche said. “The facility was immediately sealed, and the Medical Superintendent has been issued a query to appear before the ministry for further interrogation.”
He added that the government remains committed to ensuring public safety and promoting ethical, standard-driven healthcare. “Any facility found endangering patient lives will face firm action,” he warned, urging all practitioners to uphold professional standards.
This closure follows the recent shutdown of St. Peter and Paul Community Health Centre and Maternity in Lessel, Ushongo LGA, highlighting the state’s ongoing effort to cleanse the healthcare sector of unsafe practices.