Death of Mother of 4 Over Blood Transfusion: Rivers State Government Seals Standard Maternity Clinic

The Rivers State Ministry of Health has revoked the operating license of Standard Maternity Clinic, Port Harcourt over practice irregularities and substandard medical services.

The Director of Medical Services in the State Ministry of Health, Vincent Wachukwu announced the revocation, shutdown of the facility and subsequently ordered the immediate closure and sealing off of the facility.

He also summoned all the health workers including doctors affiliated practicing with the Clinic to appear before a panel of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

Wachukwu issued these directives during an unscheduled visit to Standard Maternity Clinic at No. 2 Captain Amangala Street, Borikiri, Port Harcourt by the State Anti-Quackery Committee on Monday, May 12, 2025.

According to a statement by the Secretary of the Committee, Hope Avundaa, the investigative visit was in response to media reports of the death of a pregnant woman, Victoria Paris, who died after having a Caesarean Section in the facility.

Avundaa disclosed that the Facility is a 3-bedroom apartment converted into a 6-bed maternity operated by its Chief Medical Director, Comfort Etuk.

He further disclosed that though the facility is registered for maternity services, the inspection of the facility showed that the facility had no licensed medical personnel (nurses) on ground; instead, it was being run by auxiliary nurses.

Also, staff practice beyond their scope of registration, carrying out surgeries in a poorly equipped facility with no standard sterilizing unit or Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) standards.

On his part, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Rivers State Chapter, Diamond Tamunokuro frowned at the condescending practice of medical doctors affiliated with and operating in maternities and substandard facility.

Secretary of the State Anti-Quackery Committee, Hope Avundaa stated that this exercise is a continuation of the anti-quackery mandate of the Rivers State Ministry of Health and the Nigerian Medical Association, Rivers State and other Healthcare Affiliate Associations in the State.