No fewer than five fake hospitals have been shut down by the Ebonyi State government while three fake drug distributors were arrested.

Governor Francis Nwifuru disclosed this on the floor of the House of Assembly as he presented the 2024 budget estimate, christened: “Budget of Innovation and Success,” to the legislature.

He said 107 medical quacks in the state have singed undertaking with a task-force on medical quackery in the state never to indulge in the unwholesome practice again.

Nwifuru said he was committed to upgrading the 13 general hospitals across the state to change its health status and provide access to healthcare services for rural dwellers

He said: “A total of 107 medical quacks have signed undertaking with the task-force on medical quackery never to indulge in quackery in Ebonyi State.

“The total of five quack centres have been shut down. The quack centres that have been shut down are: Eleri Hospital Afikpo, Party Hospital Ugbodo, Homeopathic Specialist Hospital Igbeagu, St. Patrick Hospital Iboko, and Alexander Hospital Umuezeoka.

“There’s also apprehension of three major distributors of fake drugs in the state and collaboration with the requisite agencies such as National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.

“Imagine a state where every citizen regardless of their locations has access to world class health services.

“Our ongoing efforts to upgrade all the 13 general hospitals across the state are not just infrastructure enhancement. They are pathways to healing and hopes.”

[Sun]