Baskadia

*•Discuss ways to end Quackery, multiple taxation and security of medical personnel*

Chairman, House Committee on Health and Chief Whip of the Cross River House of Assembly, *Rt. Hon. Hilary Ekpang Bisong*, has called on members of the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria *(AGPMPN)* , to put an end to quackery and other unprofessional conducts by some individuals in the health sector.

He made the demand when he received in audience members of the association on a courtesy visit in his office.

The committee chairman decried the proliferation of illicit private facilities quacks with less or no knowledge of the medical profession doll out harmful medical services. He maintained that such acts call for possible closure and sanctions where appropriate. According to him, quackery is one menace that has led to wanton loss of lives, especially in the rural areas.

He also lamented the indiscriminate medical waste management, which has caused several health hazards due to improper disposal.

Earlier, while presenting his speech, the Chairman of the forum, Dr *Kanu E. Aya* said that the essence of the meeting was to familiarize with the committee chairman. Dr Aya also informed that the complimentary role of the private healthcare system in public health administration can not be overemphasized.

Published by: Ettah Emmanuel O.

Contact Use: 08161558880

Let’s publish and promote your brand.

He listed several challenges bedevilling operation of private hospitals in the State to include multiple taxation stifling their operation; Quackery and insecurity which has caused the kidnap and even death of some of its members.

On the issue of Health Insurance, Rt Hon. Hilary said that the institutional framework especially the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund which gives life to the operation of Primary healthcare system, will further bolster health administration. He promised to engage stakeholders on a top level multi-sectoral solution to healthcare, stating that the policy of one PHC per Ward and a General Hospital for each Local Government is the best way to go.

Other issues discuss were on how to curb toxic waste generated in the hospitals;

expansion of Health Insurance coverage for all; improvement of surveillance and tracking system for security purposes to stem the ugly tide of kidnappings, with a call for the operation of a Security Trust Fund to help in generating fund for security management

Highlights of the meeting were a resolution for collaborative efforts between the legislature and the practitioners and further legislation and or amendments of already existing laws covering the operational hemisphere of the entire healthcare.

In the company of the Chairman were;

Dr Edet Attih (Vice Chairman and former Commissioner for Health);

Dr Joseph Bassey (Former Permanent Secretary ministry of Health);

Dr Etu Williams (Mount Zion Clinic)

Dr Andy Edem and Mrs Grace Edet