Cross River seals clinic amid patient death probe

By Ike Uchechukwu, Calabar

The Cross River State Government has sealed a maternity facility in Calabar as part of its ongoing enforcement against unauthorized and substandard healthcare practices.

The facility, identified as Safe Hand’s Maternity Clinic, located on Iyata Street in Calabar Municipality, was shut down by the Cross River State Task Force on Health Quality and Anti-Quackery following a petition and subsequent inspection.

According to the task force, the inspection was conducted after concerns were raised regarding the operation of the facility and the circumstances surrounding the death of a patient. Authorities said the matter remains under investigation.

The enforcement team, led by Dr. Dan Abubakar, carried out an unscheduled visit to the clinic and reported several regulatory and operational deficiencies.

According to officials, the facility was operating from a residential building converted for medical use and was found to have shortcomings relating to staffing, record-keeping, infrastructure and compliance with healthcare regulations.

The task force also alleged that the clinic was operating beyond its approved scope of practice and identified deficiencies in documentation, sanitation and facility management.

Dr. Abubakar described the findings as concerning and reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing healthcare standards and protecting patient safety across the state.

He said the administration of Governor Bassey Otu remains committed to improving healthcare delivery and encouraging residents to seek treatment at properly licensed and regulated medical facilities.

The clinic was subsequently sealed by authorities, while arrangements were made for admitted patients to be relocated.

When contacted, Sunday Abeng confirmed that officials of the Anti-Quackery Task Force had visited the facility and stated that the matter was under investigation.

State authorities said further actions would depend on the outcome of ongoing investigations.

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