The rise of medical quackery: Why we need to take it seriously
The devastating impact of medical quackery on individuals in our society cannot be overstated. It has caused deformities, incapacitation, life-threatening conditions, and even death.
Medical quackery occurs when unqualified individuals falsely claim to be medical professionals and treat patients, often for financial gain.
Nigeria, along with countries like India, Pakistan, Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania, is listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as being highly vulnerable to quackery.
This widespread practice in Nigeria can be attributed to several factors. One, there is a shortage of qualified medical professionals and adequate healthcare personnel.
Additionally, cultural beliefs and extreme poverty contribute to the prevalence of quackery. Furthermore, the lack of effective monitoring and stringent regulations allows quacks to operate freely and gain the trust of unsuspecting individuals.
The Nigerian Medical Association’s President, Uche Rowland, revealed that as of October 2022, there were only 24,000 licensed medical doctors available to serve a population of over 200 million people. This number falls significantly short of the WHO’s recommended ratio of doctors to population.
Dr. Biodun Ogungbo, a specialist in brain and spine conditions, highlighting the dangerous consequences of seeking treatment from quacks, said, “Many patients turn to chemists to avoid the cost of consultations, believing that the prescribed drugs are similar to what the chemists sell. These quacks exploit the economic circumstances of their clients, offering cheap treatment or even accepting goods in exchange.
“However, patients fail to realize that this seemingly affordable option may ultimately cost them their lives. In order to combat the pervasive issue of medical quackery, it is crucial for Nigeria to address the gaps in its healthcare system.
“This includes increasing the number of qualified medical professionals, implementing stricter regulations, and improving monitoring mechanisms.
“Additionally, public awareness campaigns and education about the dangers of quackery are essential to protect individuals from falling victim to these fraudulent practices.”
Shockingly, there are no official records available to accurately determine the extent of this issue.
Even the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, the regulatory body responsible for overseeing medical practitioners, lacks the necessary information to address this pressing concern. In Kano alone, the chairman of Tudun Wada Local Government Council, Alhaji Ahmad Tijjani, has revealed that a task force committee he established discovered a staggering 130 hospitals and pharmacies allegedly being run by quack doctors.
What is even more concerning is that some of these facilities are reportedly being managed by individuals with only Senior Secondary School certificates, lacking the proper medical qualifications and expertise.
The chairman of the committee, Alhaji Abubakar Karafe, has also disclosed that they encountered an electrical engineer among the ranks of these quack doctors.
This individual was found operating a private hospital, administering treatments and medications to unsuspecting patients. The gravity of the situation is exemplified by the fact that one of these quack doctors had even transfused unscreened HIV-positive blood to a woman seeking treatment for malaria.
Such horrifying incidents highlight the dangers posed by these unqualified individuals.
Tragically, numerous distressing stories continue to emerge, shedding light on the activities and detrimental consequences caused by these malicious individuals. In a recent incident in Jos, Plateau State, a suspected quack doctor named Noah Kekere was arrested for allegedly harvesting a woman’s kidney during a surgery.
Similarly, in Kano, Hajiya Bilkisu suffered from severe heart enlargement due to an infection contracted during a surgery performed by a quack doctor who failed to conduct a thorough medical examination of her history and underlying ailments.
The proliferation of quack doctors in Nigeria is a matter of utmost concern that demands immediate attention and action. The lack of proper regulation and oversight has allowed these unqualified individuals to exploit vulnerable patients, causing irreparable harm and even loss of life.
It is imperative that the relevant authorities take swift and decisive measures to eradicate this menace from our healthcare system.The government must prioritise the establishment of a comprehensive database to accurately track and monitor medical practitioners across the country.
Additionally, stringent regulations and licensing procedures should be implemented to ensure that only qualified professionals are allowed to practice medicine. Public awareness campaigns should also be conducted to educate citizens about the dangers of seeking medical treatment from unverified sources.
The safety and well-being of the Nigerian people should be paramount, and it is the responsibility of the government and regulatory bodies to safeguard their health.
The eradication of quack doctors is not only crucial for the integrity of our healthcare system but also for the lives and trust of the patients who rely on it. It is time to take decisive action and put an end to this grave threat to public health.
