We will not relent on fight against quackery, NMA chair

Ogun State Police Command has arrested one Afeez Adegoke, an auxiliary nurse and a junior community health extension worker, and arraigned him before Ota Magistrate Court 1 for parading himself as a trained general medical practitioner and surgeon.

A police source said the suspect was trained as an auxiliary nurse at Bode Hospital before establishing his ‘hospital’, located at Antenna Bus Stop, Onibuku town, Iju-Ota area of Ogun State, with over 10 years of illegal practice.

It was learnt that the problem started when Adegoke had an unsuccessful surgery on one Patrick Effiong, whose life was threatened by a medical condition.

The victim, Effiong, who was restored by an experienced medical practitioner, decided to involve the police and human rights activists.

Although, Adegoke pleaded not guilty to the charge when he was arraigned on Tuesday, our reporter gathered that the Magistrate has adjourned to Friday, May 26, 2023, for hearing.

Speaking on the issue, Ogun State Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Kunle Ashimi, frowned at the unprofessional act of the accused that hid under the umbrella of Alternative Medicine Board.

He stressed that such ugly incidence has become a regular occurrence in Ota axis and Ogun State at large.

Ashimi insisted that despite the revalidation of medical practitioners by the state government before issuance of operating licences, quacks have continued to register themselves with the Alternative Medicine Board, which they think could give them access to operate as trained doctors.

According to him, alternative medicine involves traditional birth attendants, who are not supposed to give injections, not to talk of fluid or surgery.

Ashimi stressed that Ogun State government, NMA and the affiliated body of Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) will not relent in fighting the menace of quackery in the state and its environ.

He implored the populace to be conscious of their health by ignoring mushroom clinics and patronise government health facilities, private registered hospitals, as well as request for a proof of professionalism from medical personnel of such hospital if need arises.

Recall that sometimes in year 2022, ANPMP Ogun State chapter, under the chairmanship of Dr. Olukayode Oyelade, raised the alarm on the menace of quackery, who had taken over medical profession, and had maimed and wasted lives in the state. (The Guardian)

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