Cross River Declares Zero Tolerance for Medical Quackery
By Ebi COLLINS
The Cross River State Government has announced a sweeping crackdown on unlicensed and illegal medical practice, warning that individuals or groups engaged in quackery will face strict sanctions under the law.
In a statement issued in Calabar, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, said the government would no longer tolerate activities that endanger lives through unauthorised medical services in both the orthodox and traditional health sectors.
He cited the recent arrest of about ten herbal practitioners in Calabar, who allegedly organised a herbal medicine outreach at the Christmas Village within the Calabar Municipal Secretariat without approval or licence from relevant authorities.
Dr Ayuk stressed that no medical practitioner, whether orthodox or traditional, is permitted to operate a facility, conduct an outreach or run any medical programme in the state without prior assessment, clearance and authorisation by the Cross River State Government.
He described such illegal operations as reckless and dangerous, noting that they pose serious risks to public safety and could result in grave health consequences, including liver and kidney failure as well as avoidable deaths caused by untested and unvalidated drugs.
According to him, protecting the lives of residents remains a top priority of the present administration, adding that decisive steps are being taken to eliminate all forms of medical quackery across the state.
To reinforce enforcement efforts, the Commissioner disclosed that the Health Quality and Anti-Quackery Task Force would be revitalised in the coming year to intensify monitoring, surveillance and prosecution of offenders. He also revealed that the bill establishing a State Anti-Quackery Agency is nearing completion and will provide a stronger legal framework to tackle illegal medical practices.
Dr Ayuk further cautioned media organisations against promoting or publicising medical outreaches and health-related activities without clearance from the Ministry of Health, warning that such publicity often gives legitimacy to quack operators and exposes the public to danger.
He also warned landlords and local government authorities against leasing public or private facilities for medical services without official approval, stating that anyone found aiding or abetting illegal medical practice would be held accountable.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s resolve to enforce all health regulations without fear or favour, declaring that the era of unchecked medical quackery in Cross River State is over.
