The Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on residents to join hands with authorities in exposing unqualified individuals posing as medical practitioners across the state.
The state NMA Chairman, Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi, made the appeal on Thursday during a press briefing held at the association’s secretariat in Abeokuta to flag off the 2025 Physicians’ Week themed “Healthcare as a Value Chain: Building Efficiency from Policy to Patient.”
Ogunjimi stressed that community participation is vital in combating medical quackery, noting that residents are often the worst hit by the activities of fake doctors.
“If you are not a doctor, don’t attempt to practise as one,” he said.
“And if, as a community, you notice anyone pretending to be a doctor, raise the alarm and inform the government or our association immediately.”
He explained that while the NMA is reviving its joint monitoring team with the government to track down fake practitioners, community whistleblowing will make enforcement faster and more effective.
According to him, “We are short of manpower, and though we do our best to monitor, community tips help us act quickly and arrest culprits.”
Ogunjimi further advised residents to patronise only registered hospitals and clinics, warning against seeking medical help from unlicensed chemists or herbal centres.
“By the time many patients come to hospitals after visiting fake facilities, it’s often too late to save them,” he lamented.
“We urge everyone to visit recognised health facilities and report suspicious activities.”
Calls for Better Welfare to Curb Brain Drain
The NMA chairman also called on the federal and state governments to review doctors’ welfare packages and improve security conditions to reduce the brain drain affecting Nigeria’s health sector.
He stated that poor remuneration, insecurity, and economic hardship continue to drive medical professionals abroad in search of better opportunities.
“What Nigerian doctors earn compared to their colleagues in other African countries is discouraging,” he said.
“Improved welfare and working conditions will encourage more doctors to stay and serve our nation.”
While commending the federal government’s directive for institutions to double their medical graduate intake, Ogunjimi warned that without competitive salaries, new doctors would still leave the country after graduation.
Commendations for Government and Donors
Ogunjimi praised Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration for investing in healthcare initiatives such as the State Health Insurance Scheme, the revitalisation of the 250-bed Specialist Hospital in Abeokuta, and the implementation of the revised CONMESS salary structure.
He also appreciated philanthropists for their contributions to healthcare infrastructure, including:
Alhaji Adebola Adegunwa, for donating a world-class Trauma Centre at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu.
Asiwaju S.K. Onafowokan and Sir Kesington Adebutu, for donating a new Physiotherapy Building, Eye Clinic, and Diabetes Centre to OOUTH.
Ogunjimi concluded by urging the government to increase funding for Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences and OOUTH to strengthen medical training and expand healthcare delivery in Ogun State.
