Vy Jane Salihu
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has pledged the support of the Nigeria Police Force in tackling the growing menace of unlicensed medical practitioners across the country.
Disu made the commitment on Wednesday while receiving a high-powered delegation from the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The delegation was led by the National President of the association, Haruna Mamman, who said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between healthcare professionals and law enforcement agencies, particularly in addressing the rising cases of quackery in the health sector.
Mamman expressed concern over the increasing number of unlicensed medical practitioners operating across the country, warning that the development poses serious risks to public health.
According to him, many unsuspecting Nigerians continue to patronise illegal clinics and unqualified personnel, a situation he said undermines the integrity of the medical profession and endangers patients’ lives.
He therefore appealed to the police leadership to support efforts aimed at curbing the activities of quacks and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.
Also present at the meeting were members of the Force Management Team, the Director of the Directorate of Force Medical Services, Nkechi Eze, other senior police officers, and executive members of the association including Comrade Bornbless Obasi, Comrade Jama Medan, Mrs. Adeboye Christianah, Mrs. Ampitan Evelyn, Comrade Oluwatoyin Ofere, Mr. Amusa Kazeem, Mrs. Ekong Omowumi, Mr. Olugbade Taiwo and Mrs. Balogun Omosalewa.
Responding, the police chief commended nurses and midwives for their critical role in the nation’s healthcare system, describing their contributions as indispensable to the wellbeing of citizens.
He noted that the nursing profession shares strong similarities with policing, as both require professionalism, empathy, integrity and a deep commitment to serving people during their most vulnerable moments.
Disu reiterated the commitment of the police to strengthening partnerships with professional bodies in order to protect lives and uphold public safety.
He also urged the association to establish a seamless communication channel with the police to facilitate joint operations aimed at identifying and shutting down illegal clinics and apprehending unlicensed practitioners.
