Kaduna State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association has urged the federal government to put an end to activities of quack doctors in the country because they are the ones perpetuating medical malpractice.
Chairman Kaduna State Chapter of the Association, Dr. Muhammed Ibrahim said this while briefing newsmen on rundown of activities marking the association’s 2015 Physician Week, Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Kaduna.
Ibrahim explained that a case of medical malpractice is reported every week in the state.
He said “At least once in every week, NMA Kaduna State receives a complaints ranging from issues on medical malpractice, especially relating to violation of the ethics and values of clinical practice, or to quackery (unauthorised personnel performing the duties of Doctors).
“As the old saying goes; a robber demands your money or your life; but, a quack demands your money and your life! It is therefore, no gain saying that top among problems begging for immediate attention in the health sector in Kaduna State is medical malpractice.
“The NMA recognises that there is an urgent need for the public, the practitioners and the regulators to demonstrate commitment to face these challenges.
“This underscores the careful choice of the theme of this year’s annual general meeting and scientific conference; addressing the many faces of medical malpractice in Nigeria. And a significant feature of this year’s conference is it focus on brainstorming on ways to address the problem of medical malpractice in Kaduna State.
“Suspected cases of medical malpractice and quackery must be reported promptly to the Nigerian Medical Association, the Kaduna State ministry of Health, the medical and dental council of Nigeria and even the police.”