Anambra Government Arrests Woman Over Alleged Illegal Surgical Procedures.

The Anambra State Government has stepped up its crackdown on illegal medical practice with the arrest of a 47-year-old woman, Mrs Onyinyechi Esther Charles, over allegations that she carried out surgical procedures without the necessary medical qualifications.

Mrs Charles, an indigene of Abia State who is married to a man from Nteje, allegedly operated a traditional birth attendant (TBA) facility in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area. Authorities claim she performed caesarean sections, conducted normal vaginal deliveries and carried out other surgical procedures despite lacking the required medical training and authorisation.

The facility has also reportedly been linked to several cases of medical complications and fatalities.

According to the Anambra State Ministry of Health, the arrest followed an investigation ordered by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, as part of the state's ongoing campaign to eliminate quackery in the health sector and safeguard public health.

The ministry said that during interrogation, Mrs Charles allegedly admitted to carrying out caesarean sections, normal deliveries and other surgical procedures without the necessary qualifications or approval.

Officials further disclosed that the suspect was previously known as Eze Nwanyi before later becoming a church minister and presenting herself as a surgeon.

During an inspection of the facility on Sunday, 12 July, Dr Obidike, accompanied by the Mayor of Anambra East Local Government Area, Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze, and security personnel, reportedly recovered surgical instruments and other medical equipment believed to have been used in the alleged unauthorised procedures.

Inspectors also found hospital beds where patients were reportedly treated. In addition, officials said they discovered what appeared to be a shrine and an altar within the premises.

The Anambra State Government has since confiscated the facility pending the outcome of legal proceedings. The suspect is expected to be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction.