Residents of Oju Local Government Area of Benue State have raised serious concerns over the activities of unlicensed medical practitioners, calling on government and security agencies to urgently intervene to prevent further loss of lives.

In a joint statement made available to journalists, the residents lamented what they described as the growing presence of unqualified individuals posing as certified doctors, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach communities.

The group cited a recent tragic incident where an auxiliary nurse, allegedly impersonating a medical doctor, performed a cervical procedure that resulted in the death of a pregnant woman. They noted that similar cases have been recorded across villages in the area.

Findings by our correspondent also indicate a rising death rate linked to the activities of auxiliary nurses and health trainees who allegedly undertake risky procedures to prove competence, discouraging residents from seeking proper hospital care.

The community called on the Ministry of Health, state authorities, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to take swift action to curb the menace.

Reacting, the Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Eje Ogwuche, expressed concern over the situation, describing the activities of quack doctors as illegal and dangerous.
He warned that offenders risk criminal charges, including fraud, assault, and forgery, which could attract imprisonment.

Ogwuche added that the ministry is working on measures to strengthen monitoring and ensure compliance, aimed at reducing fatalities and eliminating unqualified practitioners from the health system.
By David Ogilewu