The Enugu State Government has reiterated its commitment to fight quackery in the medical profession in order to continue to save lives.

The state Commissioner of Health, Prof Anthony Ugochukwu, stated this during a meeting with the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists at the weekend in Enugu.

He decried the increase of quackery in the state’s health system.

“I will fight the ugly trend to restore the dignity of the medical profession. The medical profession is a calling and remains one of the most important careers that should not be toiled with,” he said.

The Commissioner called for a holistic approach towards exposing the offenders and ensuring that those found guilty regarding the standard practice as well as quacks in the profession are prosecuted.

He lamented the various incidences of irregularities in the private health sector due to quackery, saying that the state health ministry had concluded plans to team up with the NMA to seal any hospital operating below standard.

The Commissioner directed the Director of Medical Services, Dr Ifeanyi Godwin, to display the list of registered medical practitioners so as to prepare for the sealing-up exercise.

Responding, the Secretary of NMA, Enugu Chapter, Dr Emmanuel Aneke, recommended that all medical practitioners should be mandated to register for easy monitoring and to acquaint themselves with the law.