Ogoja Legislative Council Takes Bold Steps to End Quackery in Healthcare

In a landmark move aimed at protecting lives and improving healthcare standards, the Ogoja Legislative Council has raised a motion to curb the growing menace of quack medical practitioners operating within the local government area.

The motion, titled "Motion Calling on Ogoja Local Government to Stop the Activities or Practice of Quackery Doctors within Ogoja", was sponsored by Hon. Sunny Achang , Councilor representing Mbube East 1 and Deputy Leader of the Ogoja Legislative Council. It was co-sponsored by Hon. Dr. Elizabeth Nkagafel Mbim (Nkum Irede), Hon. Modey Boniface (Urban Ward 1), and Hon. Otoro Illah Mary (Urban Ward II).

The motion condemns the fraudulent and life-threatening activities of quack doctors, individuals who masquerade as medical professionals without proper training or qualifications, who have infiltrated the healthcare system in Ogoja. The sponsors noted that these unlicensed practitioners have caused immense harm, including loss of lives, particularly through botched treatments and illegal surgeries.

One tragic case cited in the motion is that of Mrs. Margaret Olom from Mbube East Ward 1, who reportedly lost her life last week due to a surgical procedure carried out by a suspected quack.

The motion further identified unlicensed traditional birth attendants (TBAs) as contributors to the crisis, many of whom run illegal birth centers and are linked to severe childbirth complications, including Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF).

In response, the Council resolved to:

1. Partner with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to clamp down on quackery in Ogoja.

2. Seal all illegal medical health centers operating within the LGA.

3. Arrest and prosecute any individual involved in medical malpractice leading to death or injury.

4. Establish a committee to investigate the specific case of Mrs. Margaret Olom and similar incidents.

5. Launch a comprehensive health awareness campaign to educate the public on the dangers of patronizing unqualified practitioners.

This motion marks a significant turning point in Ogoja’s fight for safer, more professional healthcare delivery and reflects the Council’s commitment to preserving the health and lives of its residents.