Ebonyi State Governor launches anti-quackery committee to combat medical fraud

In a bid to combat medical quackery and ensure public safety, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State announced the establishment of a dedicated committee during a recent interaction with the press. The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Mr Moses Ekuma, revealed this development following the installation of the 11th President of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Ebonyi State chapter, Mrs. Lilian Nwobasi.

Expressing the state government’s commitment to eradicating medical quackery, Governor Nwifuru highlighted the significant harm caused by unqualified practitioners, leading to untimely deaths. The newly inaugurated committee is tasked with expelling medical quacks from Ebonyi State, emphasizing collaboration with the Medical Women Association and community involvement in the fight against fraudulent medical practices.

Governor Nwifuru clarified the state’s stance on establishing medical facilities, stating that individuals must provide evidence or a signed document from the Ministry of Health confirming their fitness for such ventures.

Additionally, the governor dismissed rumors of a cholera outbreak in one of the local government areas in Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone. He emphasized that there is no confirmed case of cholera in the state, refuting claims of an outbreak.

In response, the newly appointed President of MWAN, Mrs. Lilian Nwobasi, outlined the association’s commitment to partnering with the state government to combat medical quackery, female genital mutilation, and gender-based violence. She stressed the importance of creating awareness about the dangers of patronizing unqualified practitioners, aligning with the state’s existing anti-quackery unit.