Cross River: Commissioner issues ultimatum to illegal Maternity homes

The Ministry of Health has issued a 14-day ultimatum to operators of Maternity homes and Orphanages in Cross River State, to register and acquire the operational license or risk closure.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Betta Edu gave the directive in Calabar sequel to the national directive for States ministries of health to checkmate the activities of illegal operators of Maternity homes and Orphanages across the country.

Dr. Edu said that the essence of the directive was to reduce the maternal and infant mortality rates across the country as well as check child trafficking and the menace of abandoned children especially street kids.

Enhancing monitoring
The Commissioner further stated that the registration of maternity homes including orphanages would enable the government give proper supervision and monitor the activities of those involved.

According to her, “getting Maternity homes and Orphanages registered would enable us keep track of those in the industry… First of all, we will be able to gather the correct data on the number of maternity homes including the ones run by some religious bodies.

“It is sad that the operators of Maternity homes and orphanages have seen these as avenues to make money. Most people want to own a maternity home and an orphanage not for the purpose of these facilities. They have deviated from that purpose and are only interested in making profit at the expense of the lives and comfort of these children and the vulnerable,” Edu lamented.

She further stated, “as government, we will not risk or jeopardise the life of any child in the name of business. Therefore, anyone operating any of these two facilities in Cross River State must, within a space of two weeks, which is 14 days, get registered.

“Once they are registered, the Ministry of Health has a special task force that would inspect these homes to ensure they meet the required standard because we know that most traditional birth attendants do not necessarily own topnotch facilities, but we will inspect hygiene levels as well and once satisfied, we will issue licenses. Any home found operating without registering or acquiring a license would be closed down. The operators would be arrested and prosecuted.”

The Commissioner reiterated that the Cross River State government would not tolerate child trafficking nor allow unscrupulous people take advantage of innocent citizens especially pregnant women and children.

Edu said; ”The administration of Governor Ben Ayade has zero tolerance for child trafficking and as such, vowed to combat and put to an end to illegal practices detrimental to the healthy and peaceful living of every citizen.

”We all must work together for the betterment of our dear state and for the safety of our loved ones.”

Mercy Chukwudiebere