An 84 year old alleged fake surgeon and operator of Life First clinic in Bekwarra local government area, Simon Okuta-Agba, has been nabbed by a health taskforce in Cross River State.
Findings revealed that Okuta-Agba, though not a doctor by profession nor attended any medical school, had continuously carried out surgeries while offering cheap surgical fees to lure his victims.
Chairman of the Taskforce, Dr David Ushie while briefing newsmen said, “we discovered that he has been running this facility by providing cheap surgeries and nearly every one who went there with medical complaints always had to undergo surgery.”
Ushie informed that during the tour, 12 patients were on admission, out of which 11 of them had undergone surgeries carried out within four days while one already scheduled for surgery was yet to be attended to.
The Taskforce chairman intimated that on arrival, his team met Okuta-Agba conducting surgery on two patients, one a hernia and the other appendix, which are the diagnosis he does assign to most patients that come to the facility.
More findings revealed that the said Okuta-Agba employed other quacks who carry out ultrasound scans as well as some untrained nurses embarking on sundry activities in very unhygienic facilities.
The Taskforce chairman who is also the special adviser (health) to the Cross River State governor, explained that on further observation, the patients were seen keeping their used syringe and needles by their bedside which was a clear case of professional violation.
Ushie also expressed shock that Okuta-Agba transfuses blood without a pathologist or doctor to confirm the safety of the blood.
“While the clinic is not registered with the state ministry of health as a service provider, the culprit is not a doctor, has no license or certificate, never attended a medical school and the same qualities applicable to his staff,” Ushie informed.
