C'River Assembly Passes Health Quackery (Prohibition) Bill, 2026
The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed a bill prohibiting quackery in the State’s health sector, marking a major step towards protecting residents from unqualified medical practitioners and improving healthcare delivery.
The bill, “A Law to Prohibit Quackery Practices in the Health Sector of Cross River State, Establish the Health Monitoring Task Force, and for Other Related Matters,” was sponsored by the Deputy Leader and Member representing Abi State Constituency, Rt Hon Davies Etta.
The lawmakers had considered and adopted the report of the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security before its third reading during plenary.
Presenting the committee’s report, its Chairman, Rt. Hon. Hillary Ekpang Bisong (Boki 2), said the proposed law seeks to eliminate unlicensed medical practice, strengthen regulation in the health sector, and safeguard the lives of Cross River residents.
Bisong, who is the.Chief Whip of the 10th Assembly, explained that the committee held a Public Hearing where health professionals, Civil Society Organisations, and members of the public overwhelmingly supported the bill.
He noted that the legislation became necessary due to the activities of fake and unqualified practitioners, which have led to wrong diagnoses, poor treatment, avoidable deaths, and declining public confidence in healthcare services.
He informed that, his committee reviewed the bill and expanded it from three parts and ten sections to four parts and fifteen sections to make it more comprehensive. It further recommended that enforcement of the law should align with existing national laws regulating medical and allied health professions.
During debate, lawmakers commended the committee for its diligence and described the bill as a timely intervention that would strengthen the State's healthcare system. They noted that recent cases involving unqualified persons carrying out medical procedures underscored the need for stronger regulation and stricter enforcement.
The Speaker, Rt Hon. Elvert Ayambem praised the lawmakers who initiated the bill, describing it as one of the landmark private members’ bills of the 10th Assembly and a demonstration of the Assembly’s commitment to people-centred legislation.
Following clause-by-clause consideration in the Committee of the Whole, the House unanimously adopted the committee’s report.
The Leader of the House, Rt Hon Francis Bassey Asuquo subsequently moved a motion for the bill to be read the third time, which was seconded by the Deputy Leader, Rt Hon Davies Etta and approved through a voice vote.
The Speaker thereafter declared the bill read for the third time and passed into law. He directed that the clean copy of the bill be transmitted to the Governor for assent in line with the legislative process.
