The Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Rivers State chapter, says it has zero tolerance for medical quackery in the state.
Dr Ebi Robinson, the state chairman of NMA, reiterated this commitment following the closure of Divine Love Hospital by the Rivers State Government for operating illegally in the Rumuodara, Port Harcourt.
Robinson emphasized the importance of practicing in hygienic environments, deeming it unacceptable to do otherwise.
Following the inspection alongside officials of the state Ministry of Health, it was revealed that the hospital lacked registration with the Ministry.
Robinson said, “We are here with the Ministry of Health to seal off that facility and we found out that the facility is not registered with the Ministry of Health and the Director of Medical Service Unit.
“We also found out that there are issues of documentation and certification of the said medical practitioner.
“While we investigate the certification of the said medical practitioner, the Ministry of Health has sealed off that particular facility and it would not be used as a medical facility.”
Robinson announced the establishment of a medical vigilant unit where the public can report inconsistencies in medical treatment, emphasizing that more hospitals will face closure if found to be non-compliant.
“I want to advice the public that the Nigeria Medical Association, Rivers State Branch is opening up a Medical-Vigilant Unit, which is a public complaint unit for everybody in Rivers State, to make complaints where you found there is any form of malpractice, there is any form of inconsistency, any form of queries or complaints concerning your medical treatment or the facility you find yourself during medical treatment.
“And this would help us to collate data, this would help us in discoursing amongst ourselves. It will be as a form of appraisal and where necessary we prosecute because, quackery is not about somebody forging certificate and practicing as a doctor when he is not a doctor.
“There are also other forms of quackery with the practitioner not doing the right things at the right time,” he added.
