The Akwa Ibom State Government has launched a major operation to clamp down on substandard and illegal health facilities operating across the state. In a bold declaration, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, warned that many unqualified individuals — including tailors — now pose as medical practitioners, endangering public health.
Speaking during the ARISE Health Sector Town Hall Meeting in Uyo on Saturday, Dr. John disclosed that Governor Umo Eno had issued a directive for a statewide crackdown. All private hospitals and laboratories will now be required to undergo re-registration under a revised health regulation guideline.
“There is so much medical quackery that even tailors now pass themselves off as medical doctors,” the Commissioner said. “The governor has directed that the ministry should publish new guidelines, and we will give all private health facilities a window for re-registration.”
According to the state’s health ministry, joint task force teams have already been inaugurated to monitor private health centers, identify counterfeit drugs, and eliminate quack medical personnel. These efforts are aimed at restoring public confidence in the state’s healthcare system and ensuring that all health services are delivered by licensed and trained professionals.
Dr. John also revealed that two state-of-the-art oxygen plants would be commissioned soon — one at General Hospital, Ukpum Abak, and the other at Emmanuel General Hospital, Eket — replacing industrial-grade oxygen sources with proper medical-grade systems.
This reform is part of the governor’s broader healthcare agenda to improve the quality, safety, and accountability of healthcare delivery in Akwa Ibom.
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