By: Sunday Ameh
The Enugu State Government has arrested a suspected fake medical practitioner identified as Kenneth Mamah and sealed his illegal hospital, St. Joseph Memorial Hospital, located in Ada-Ulo, Obollo-Etiti community, Udenu Local Government Area of the state.
The action followed credible intelligence and complaints from concerned residents who raised alarm over alleged illegal medical activities being carried out at the facility.
Confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Enugu State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Ugodu Avemaria, said that Mamah had been falsely parading himself as a medical doctor despite having no medical qualifications or licence to practice.
“Acting on credible intelligence and complaints from residents, our enforcement team stormed the facility where they discovered that the owner had been conducting surgical operations and other medical practices in an environment grossly unfit for any form of operative care,” Avemaria said.
She disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that Mamah had no medical licence, no professional training, and no authorization from the Ministry of Health, yet routinely performed surgical procedures — putting the lives of unsuspecting residents at serious risk.
“This is a clear case of medical quackery and a grave danger to public health,” she added.
The Director of Medical Services, Dr. Amaechi Mgbodile, who led the enforcement team, said the closure of the illegal facility aligns with the state government’s commitment to eliminating quackery and enforcing minimum standards across all health facilities.
“No facility is permitted to conduct surgeries without proper registration, qualified personnel, sterile equipment, and an approved theatre environment,” Dr. Mgbodile stressed.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, urged members of the public and medical professionals to share information about suspicious health facilities operating without due authorization, assuring that the government remains committed to protecting the lives of citizens and ensuring patient safety across the state.
Residents of the community, who expressed shock at the revelation, said the suspect had long been known as a “doctor” and had operated in the area for several years without suspicion.
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