Rivers State Government Warns Against Unauthorized Medical Outreach
In a recent media briefing, the Rivers State Government has issued a stern warning to religious bodies and organizations against carrying out any form of medical outreach without the approval of the State Ministry of Health. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, emphasized that this warning is aimed at protecting the general public from unqualified healthcare services.
The warning comes on the heels of a recent discovery that two hospitals and a spa in the state have been operating without registration and engaging in unprofessional conduct. The commissioner revealed that these facilities had been sealed, with further steps being taken to ensure that they face the full wrath of the law for jeopardizing the lives of people in Rivers State.
Dr Oreh expressed dismay at the fact that despite previous calls for groups planning medical outreach to notify the ministry for written approval, some refused to heed the call. She stressed that the Ministry of Health takes this charge very seriously and is putting the public on notice to ask the right questions before participating in any medical outreach.
“Please, if you get wind of any free medical outreach, ask the right questions. Do they have permission from the Ministry of Health to conduct such outreaches?” Dr Oreh appealed to the public.
The commissioner revealed that the two hospitals engaged unqualified personnel to perform surgical services, while the spa carried out body part enlargement services without the requisite training and qualification. She warned that using unqualified personnel to deliver surgical services was a recipe for disaster, putting not only the patients’ lives at risk but also the lives of those working in such facilities.
The State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Diamond Tamunokuro, reiterated that the body would not shield any member engaging in unprofessional practice. He stated that the NMA has internal mechanisms to handle such issues, adding that when they detect anyone involved in quackery, they send that person to their disciplinary committee or to the security agencies if necessary.
The Rivers State Government’s warning serves as a timely reminder of the importance of seeking healthcare services from licensed and qualified medical professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes and protect public health.
