Economy

Tinubu Planning to Eliminate Fake Healthcare Workers in Nigeria, says Minister Sununu

The Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu, has urged the implementation of strict laws to combat quackery within Nigeria’s healthcare sector. Speaking at the inaugural session of the ‘2023 Physicians Week of the Nigerian Medical Association, Federal Capital Territory Chapter,’ held in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr. Sununu revealed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to tackling this critical issue.

Mr. Sununu emphasized the need for laws that not only exist on paper but serve as effective deterrents. President Tinubu has placed the eradication of quackery within the healthcare profession at the forefront of his agenda, signaling a pivotal step towards safeguarding public health.

To address the various challenges afflicting the healthcare sector, Mr. Sununu called for close cooperation between the NMA-FCT and the NMA, aligning their efforts with the President’s promise to amend health sector-related legislation.

Discussing healthcare funding, Minister Sununu acknowledged President Tinubu’s repeated calls for improvement in this vital area. While acknowledging that the current healthcare funding situation is far from ideal, he noted that the President is actively working to enhance the country’s internally generated revenue and resource development.

“The President recognizes that when repairing something, one may face temporary hardships,” Mr. Sununu explained, “and we must persevere through these challenges. The President is dedicated to making Nigeria a better place for its citizens, and we call upon all Nigerians for their understanding and support.”

Charles Ugwuanyi, Chair of NMA-FCT, shared the origins of the initiative, stating that it began as a grassroots movement on social media. Eno Ekop, another NMA-FCT chair, highlighted the commitment of many healthcare professionals to remain in Nigeria and care for the younger generations.

Ms. Ekop also brought attention to the issue of violence against healthcare workers and urged Nigerians to report such incidents to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCAN).

This collective effort is poised to make a significant impact on the healthcare sector in Nigeria, with President Tinubu’s vision of eliminating quack healthcare practitioners at its core.