By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Apparently owing to migration of professionals abroad for greener pastor coupled with the country’s poor governance and economic challenges, quacks have reportedly taken over the roles of doctors at both private and government medical hospitals in Kaduna state.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kaduna state officials who raised the alarm however blamed government’s failure in taken appropriate action against
quackeries and allegation of negligence against some professionals in health sector in the past.
A communiqué issued at the end of virtual meeting of State Executive Council of the association and made available to newsmen in Kaduna Saturday expressed worry over a viral video circulating internet, depicting complications from a surgery purportedly carried out at a government facility on the 28th of January 2024.
The communique signed by the State NMA Chairman and Secretary, Dr. MADAKI David Sheyin and Dr. Hassan Bala Salihu, described the viral video as unfortunate and disturbing one, adding that the incident which is completely avoidable one further depicts the poorly regulated and weak healthcare system in our country.
The communique with reference no. NMAKD/SEC/22-24/345, stated that “The State Executive Council (SEC) of the Nigerian Medical Association Kaduna State Branch held an emergency meeting virtually on 14th jan. 2024, in response to a viral video circulating the internet depicting complications from a surgery purportedly carried out at a government facility on the 28thof January 2024.
“This unfortunate incident which was completely avoidable and highly disturbing to SEC, further depicts the poorly regulated and weak healthcare system in our country”, it stated.
SEC observed that successive Governments of Kaduna State have failed to take appropriate action on
similar allegations of quackery and/or negligence perpetuated by health professionals in
both public and private health facilities in the State.
“The regulatory role of Government has been weak, thereby allowing health professionals to carry out procedures well beyond the
scope of their training and certification.
“There has been little or no punishment meted on
erring personnel and facilities to serve as deterrent to others.
“That despite efforts towards fighting both internal & external quackery, it has festered on
in the State and cuts across both public and private facilities with many unqualified persons
taking on the role of doctors in the community to commit atrocities for pecuniary benefits.
“That some doctors have in one way or the other, knowingly or unknowingly enhanced
and emboldened medical quacks thereby causing serious harm and injury to the unsuspecting general public.
“That there is continuous erosion and disregard for professional medical ethics and values
in the healthcare sector.
“That availability of Human Resource for Health is grossly inadequate especially in the
rural areas and is worsening daily with challenges of insecurity, poor remuneration, harsh
working environment amongst others”, it noted.
SEC also resolved that NMA Kaduna State Branch should immediately set up an independent committee to investigate the matter and make recommendations.
“Government and all relevant stakeholders must intensify sensitization and education of the
general public on patient’s right and the different composition of the health personnel in both private and public facilities.
“The Ministry of Health should immediately issue a statewide circular clearly defining the
roles and responsibilities of all cadre of Health Workers in the State and their boundaries
with a stern warning to sanction those found wanting.
“The privacy, dignity and confidentiality of patients be respected and upheld at all times in accordance with ethics of the profession and hence frowns at the recording and release of
information that compromises patient’s confidentiality.
“Government to immediately recruit Human Resource for Health in adequate numbers and in the right skill mix, implement the 2023 CONMESS salary scale to help attract the required number needed and in the right skill mix.
“To discipline any member found guilty of any act of omission or commission deemed to have brought the profession or the Association into disrepute or to be disdainful of its rules after due process as provided for in her constitution.
“The Association will not hesitate to report any erring member(s) to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for appropriate sanctions.
“SEC Commiserates with the family of the victim for the avoidable lapses that have brought
untold hardship to the family.
“SEC urges the State & Local Governments to prioritize the health and well-being of all citizens by ensuring a strong and robust system is put in place to stem out medical quackery and malpractice of all forms.
“The SEC calls on Governments and all Security agencies in the State to effectively and efficiently curb the incidence of insecurity and kidnappings which has not spared Health Workers within working environment and therefore calls on
the Kaduna State Government to intervene and secure the immediate release of her member
who was kidnapped at her residence more than month ago”, it further stated.
“NMA however appreciated and is grateful to the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mal. Uba Sani for his commitment towards improving the welfare of doctors in the State which will directly improve the availability of Human Resource for Health in the required numbers.
“And Honourable Commissioner of Health, Hajia Umma K Ahmed for her resolve and determination in
repositioning the Health system in the State to improve access and quality of healthcare services
in the State”, SEC Stated.
