A number of locals have been hospitalised in various facilities following a free medical outreach in Abiriba, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Ogbonnaya Uche, confirmed the incident in a statement in Umuahia.
He said the hospitalisation was due to suspected adverse drug reactions. He assured the public that healthcare personnel were working diligently to stabilize and treat those affected.
“The ministry is deeply concerned by the consequences of unauthorised outreach. Residents should exercise caution regarding organisers of unapproved healthcare events,” the commissioner stated.
The statement revealed that the organisers of the outreach had failed to obtain necessary approvals from the ministry.
The ministry also warned against unauthorised medical outreaches and healthcare events in Abia State, adding that such unauthorised events would henceforth attract prosecution to prevent future occurrences.
Meanwhile, the Abia State Ministry of Health has reportedly launched an investigation into the incident.