The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced a sweeping crackdown on unqualified health personnel, pledging to shut down health facilities operated by untrained or fake medical practitioners. This move forms part of a broader set of reforms designed to strengthen the state’s healthcare sector and protect citizens from unsafe medical practices.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, disclosed the plan during a Health Sector Town Hall Meeting held on Sunday in Uyo, the state capital. According to Dr. John, the directive was issued by Governor Umo Eno, who instructed the Ministry of Health to enforce stringent regulations and clamp down on illegal operations threatening public health.
“In Akwa Ibom today, there is rampant medical quackery, with even tailors posing as doctors,” Dr. John lamented. “We cannot continue to allow unqualified individuals to endanger the lives of our citizens.”
Joint task force to combat quackery
To address this, the state government has inaugurated a joint task force team. The team’s mandate includes monitoring private health facilities, combating the circulation of fake and counterfeit drugs, and identifying and shutting down facilities staffed by unqualified personnel.
In line with these efforts, Dr. John announced that all private hospitals, laboratories, and pharmaceutical outlets would undergo mandatory re-registration. A revised guideline for private medical practice is currently being finalized and will soon be published.
“All private hospitals in the state must be reregistered,” he stated. “We will give them a specified timeline to comply, and non-compliant facilities will face closure.”
Strengthening public confidence in healthcare
The commissioner emphasized that these reforms aim to restore public trust in the healthcare system and ensure adherence to professional and ethical standards across both private and public sectors.
As part of the state’s broader healthcare revitalization strategy, two new medical-grade oxygen plants are set to be commissioned in August at General Hospital, Ukpum Abak, and Emmanuel General Hospital, Eket. These facilities will replace the current use of industrial oxygen in public hospitals—a move health experts have lauded as critical for improving patient safety and treatment outcomes.
Dr. John also praised Governor Eno for prioritizing stakeholder engagement in the planning of the proposed Ibom International Hospital. According to him, this inclusive approach will enhance the project’s effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
Ongoing reforms and future plans
Akwa Ibom operates more than 400 primary healthcare centers (PHCs), along with several general hospitals. However, many of these facilities still face significant challenges in meeting modern healthcare standards, especially in rural areas. In recent years, the government, through the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, has ramped up efforts to upgrade these PHCs, although gaps in access persist.
The state’s flagship Ibom Specialist Hospital, initially envisioned as a premier destination for medical tourism, has experienced operational setbacks. However, current efforts to revive the facility are underway, with renewed attention also focused on establishing the Ibom International Hospital to improve access to advanced tertiary care.
In addition, Akwa Ibom is aligning with national health objectives through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), which focuses on maternal and child health, expanded immunization coverage, and improving access to essential medicines for vulnerable groups.
Further supporting affordability and accessibility, the state government is advancing the rollout of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme (AKSHIA), designed to cover informal sector workers and reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
Public reaction and expert opinions
Speaking to Nairametrics, Dr. Emem Effiong, a Uyo-based public health physician, described the reforms as “timely and necessary,” noting that quackery has long undermined trust in the healthcare system and endangered lives.
Residents have expressed optimism about the planned measures. Mrs. Iniobong Udoh, a mother of three in Ikot Ekpene, said, “We need to know that when we go to a hospital, we are in safe hands. It’s time for the government to weed out fake practitioners.”
The crackdown on quack medical practice, combined with broader health sector investments, underscores Akwa Ibom’s commitment to elevating healthcare standards and protecting its citizens.
