In response to the tragic death of a pregnant woman, Chekwube Chinagorom, following a caesarean section at Afolmi Hospital, an unregistered private health facility in Durumi, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has ordered a crackdown on unregistered hospitals and unqualified medical personnel operating within the FCT. The minister directed that anyone found working in or running such unregistered facilities be arrested and prosecuted.

The investigation into Chinagorom’s death revealed that Afolmi Hospital was not properly registered and was operating under unsafe conditions. During the investigation, it was discovered that only one staff member, Mr. Simon Elisha Godiya, a Junior Community Health Extension Worker, was present at the time of the surgery. The operation was performed by an individual named Murtala Jumma, whose qualifications are still being verified. Attempts to reach Jumma have been unsuccessful. The case has been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation.

Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications, highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to reduce maternal mortality rates. He pointed out that despite the availability of free healthcare through the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), which provides free enrollment for pregnant women, many still choose to seek care from unregistered facilities.

Olayinka encouraged pregnant women to take advantage of the free services provided through the FHIS, which grants them access to essential healthcare, including caesarean sections, at designated Primary Health Care Centers. He also noted that several hospitals in the FCT, such as Gwarinpa, Nyanya, Abaji, and Kuje General Hospitals, have been designated as Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (CEONC) centers where caesarean sections are available free of charge.

The FCTA has assured the public that strict enforcement measures will be taken against unregistered healthcare facilities and quack practitioners, and the minister’s office remains committed to ensuring that only properly licensed and regulated healthcare services operate within the FCT. Authorities are determined to hold those responsible for Chinagorom’s death accountable and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.