By Tony Adibe
To ensure the safety and well-being of the public, the Enugu State Government has announced an immediate ban on any form of unapproved medical outreaches by individuals and organisations in the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ikechukwu Obi, who made this known in a press statement issued on Friday in Enugu, directed those individuals and organisations intending to engage in medical services, including other health outreaches, to apply and obtain permits from the ministry.
According to the statement, investigations revealed that some of the products used for medical outreaches were either expired or nearing their expiration date, adding that this had led to health complications of beneficiaries of such outreaches.
The government said it was also concerned about the qualifications of practitioners usually engaged for the job, saying any medical outreach in the state must be conducted by qualified professionals who could diagnose and prescribe the right treatments.
“The Enugu State Ministry of Health has noticed with dismay that some organizations offer medical and health outreach services in the state without the approval of the ministry.
“The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ikechukwu Obi, wishes to state that, henceforth, any form of medical outreach and other health services either by public or private health institutions in the state must get a approval from the State Ministry of Health.
“This is necessary to ensure that the medical services are carried out by certified professionals, using appropriate medical equipment and products, while following standard operating procedure,” the statement reads in part.
While commending eminent individuals and organisations for the laudable initiative of medical outreaches, the government reiterated that it would continue to partner with them for the progress of the state.
It, however, stressed that it would not compromise the health and safety of the people on the altar of unregulated medical practices, warning of severe consequences for non-compliance.
