NMA adopts new strategies to tackle quackery

The Nigerian Medical Association has adopted new measures to check quackery among doctors as part of efforts to sanitise the profession in the country.
The President of the association, Prof. Mike Ogirima, disclosed this on Wednesday in Lafia at the inauguration of the new NMA secretariat complex constructed by its Nasarawa State branch.
Ogirima, who did not divulge the new anti-quackery strategies being adopted, however revealed that the association would introduce signpost seals at health facilities to differentiate professionals from quacks as part of plans to tackle the menace.
Ogirima commended state officials of the association for constructing the complex and for keying into good health projects that have direct bearing on the lives of doctors and Nigerians at large.
He called on other branches of the association across Nigeria who were yet to build their permanent secretariat to do so as soon as possible.
The NMA national president decried the rate of quackery in the medical profession with a call on all stakeholders to join hands to reverse the trend.
He said: “You are all aware that we have introduced the doctors’ stamp, with effect from April 1, to curb quackery in the medical profession.
“We will extend the issue to have a seal in sign post of medical practitioners (Doctors) where you are practicing in order to checkmate ourselves, to differentiate you (doctor) and other people who will intrude into your profession.”
He called on quacks in the profession to desist or face arrest and punishment by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
Earlier, the state Chairman of the NMA, Dr Christopher Edeh, said they built the secretariat in order to promote unity, enhance productivity and welfare of members of the association.
Edeh, a dentist at the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, said that the association had done credibly well in improving on the lives of doctors and the people of the state considering the laudable programme they have embarked upon.
He said: “We have promoted peace and harmony among doctors in the state, create awareness on prevention of diseases and offered free medical treatment to residents as well as take care of the association members’ welfares, among others.”