The Enugu State Government has intensified its fight against quackery in the health sector, targeting illegal medical laboratory practices and other unprofessional activities to improve patient safety and healthcare service delivery.
The Enugu State Government has stepped up efforts to eliminate quackery across the health sector, with particular focus on medical laboratory practice, as part of measures to protect public health and improve the quality of healthcare services.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, disclosed this on Friday in Enugu while receiving the National President of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Dr. Casimir Ifeanyi.
Ugwu expressed concern over the increasing incidence of unprofessional practices, including facilities where laboratory services are combined with pharmacies, treatment centres, provision stores and other unauthorised commercial activities.
According to him, such practices undermine professional standards, compromise diagnostic accuracy and expose patients to serious health risks.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to eliminating quackery through sustained monitoring, stricter regulation, enforcement of professional standards and compliance with established healthcare guidelines.
The commissioner commended AMLSN for its continued efforts to promote excellence in medical laboratory science through advocacy, professional development and public health initiatives.
Ugwu assured the association of the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with professional bodies whose objectives align with the government’s vision of delivering accessible, quality and people-centred healthcare services.
He highlighted key achievements recorded under the administration of Governor Peter Mbah, including investments in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, revitalisation of primary healthcare centres and reforms aimed at improving healthcare delivery across the state.
According to him, stronger collaboration between government and healthcare professionals remains essential to building a resilient health system capable of meeting the needs of residents.
Ugwu urged medical laboratory scientists to uphold professionalism, ethical conduct and global best practices to strengthen public confidence in the healthcare sector.
Earlier, the National President of AMLSN, Dr. Casimir Ifeanyi, briefed the commissioner on the association’s forthcoming Annual Public Health Lecture scheduled to hold in Enugu.
He appealed for the support and participation of the state government, describing the lecture as an avenue to advance quality healthcare delivery, promote public health awareness and strengthen collaboration between government institutions and healthcare professionals.
Ifeanyi reaffirmed the association’s commitment to raising professional standards and supporting initiatives that improve healthcare outcomes in Enugu State and across Nigeria.
He added that sustained collaboration among healthcare stakeholders is vital to promoting evidence-based practice, strengthening service delivery and achieving long-term improvements in the nation’s health sector.
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