By Frank Ulom
OBUDU (CONVERSEER) – The Chairman of the Obudu Health Anti-Quackery Committee (HAQC), Dr Godwin Agbor, has called for unified action to combat the proliferation of unqualified health practitioners in the Local Government Area.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Obudu Local Government Council Auditorium/Chapel, on Wednesday, Dr Agbor warned that quackery in healthcare poses severe risks to patient safety and community well-being.
Defining quackery as “dishonest practices and claims to have special knowledge and skills in medicine,” Dr Agbor emphasised that anyone lacking the requisite qualifications is by definition a quack, and “not licensed to practise” medicine. He noted that healthcare is a specialised sector requiring properly trained professionals to safeguard lives.
He highlighted the grave consequences of quackery, outlining a progression from “multiple complications from a seemingly mild sickness” to increased morbidity and, ultimately, preventable mortality, stressing that the threat extends beyond doctors to all allied health cadres — including pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists, nurses, physiotherapists and community health extension workers — each of whom must hold valid licences under existing statutes.
“Quackery is particularly rampant in Obudu due to factors such as ignorance and poverty,” Dr Agbor said. He lamented that many residents, seeking lower fees, patronise unlicensed operators who practice in substandard conditions. “A simple ulcer could become a surgical tragedy if you entrust it to a fake doctor,” he cautioned, warning that short-term savings can result in much higher costs in time, resources and human life.
Calling on stakeholders to support the HAQC’s work, Dr Agbor announced a forthcoming technical session to develop a detailed action template. He said the committee will carry out facility inspections across Obudu, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and quality-assurance standards.
He also urged community leaders and the general public to report any unregistered facilities operating in both public and private sectors.
Dr Agbor thanked the Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, as well as the Council’s chairman, Hon. Peter Undiandeye, for convening the meeting and appealed for “the full cooperation of all stakeholders” to “nip quackery in the bud.”
Present also at the meeting were Vice Chairman Hon. Rhoda Ashong, Leader of the Council Hon. Sam Ashibi, Paramount Ruler, and a host of others.
Converseer reports that the HAQC’s membership spans healthcare professionals, security agencies and community representatives.
