Benue shuts down hospital over alleged surgical misconduct

The Benue State Government has ordered the closure of St John’s Hospital in Otukpo following allegations of severe professional misconduct, including a disturbing case in which a patient reportedly had both breasts removed on 25 November in circumstances said to contravene approved medical procedures.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, confirmed the development on Saturday, noting that the decision was the outcome of an ongoing investigation into suspected malpractice at the facility. He said the ministry had kept the hospital under watch after receiving troubling complaints before sending an enforcement team to the premises on Friday.

The inspection team, he explained, was headed by the Director of Medical Services, Dr Agbadu Joshua, and supported by the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association’s Anti-Quackery Committee, Dr Alex Iorbo. Desk officers from Otukpo and Gboko local government areas, who were already carrying out routine checks, also joined the operation.

According to Ogwuche, the state is intensifying its crackdown on unsafe and unprofessional medical practices. He disclosed that the team discovered that the hospital was operating in poor conditions and failed to comply with standard treatment protocols.

One of the allegations under review involves the removal of a patient’s breasts in a manner that reportedly did not meet clinical requirements. He said the nature of the case heightened the urgency of government intervention.

The facility was sealed immediately, and the Medical Superintendent  issued a formal query. He was also instructed to appear before the ministry on Monday to assist in further investigations.

Ogwuche emphasised that the state government remained committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of residents. He warned that any health provider implicated in endangering lives will face decisive sanctions.

The commissioner recalled that the shutdown comes shortly after a similar action against St Peter and Paul Community Health Centre and Maternity in Lessel, Ushongo Local Government Area, which was closed over alleged serious breaches of professional conduct. He noted that these measures form part of broader efforts to rid the health sector of malpractice and uphold ethical standards.