By Ademola Orubon
Determined to wrestle quackery in Ogun State health institutions, the government on Monday unveiled the first edition of the Directory of Registered Private Health facilities across the State.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, while unveiling the Directory in Abeokuta, said it was produced to meet the yearnings of stakeholders, who desire best healthcare services.
According to him, ‘’the administration of Governor Ibikunle Amosun is determine to make qualitative and affordable healthcare service accessible to the people. This is in line with the collective mandate to transform the health system of Ogun State. That is why this Directory of Registered Private Health facilities in Ogun State is making its debut.’’
“This holistic approach is aimed at weeding out unqualified and unfit private health facilities like hospitals, clinics and maternity homes, laboratories, diagnostic and scan centres, physiotherapy clinics among others. The fight against medical quackery is evidently a big battle, however, the good news is that, we are making steady progress at winning the war’’, he added.
Ipaye urged all stakeholders to embrace the initiative and actively collaborate with the State government to eliminate quackery, cautioning members of the public not to patronise unregistered health facilities.
Speaking, the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Yusuff Quudus, appreciated the Senator Amosun-led administration, for the support and approval, saying the commitment of the Ministry to stamp out quackery in the State, was exemplary.
He said the maiden edition of the Directory, contained list of revalidated health facilities, their locations, owners and phone numbers, noting that the list would be updated annually to include new registered facilities, while deleting those that must have been closed down.
The Chairman, Association of General Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, Ogun State Branch, Dr. Rabiu Kushimo, lauded the initiative, saying it would give residents of the State, the opportunity to have access to qualitative healthcare services delivery.