On Sunday, 18th February 2024, Cross Rivers’ State Commissioner for health, Dr Henry Ayuk in a statement signed by the state’s Permanent Secretary for the ministry of health, Williams Agba, made it known that the state’s government has commenced plans to shut down all illegal laboratories and Pharmacies operating in the state.
It is a general knowledge that the health sector among many other sectors in Nigeria is not functioning properly and this has given room for quacks and fraudsters to take advantage of the lack of control and supervision in the health sector of the country to make quick money at the expense of people’s health and their lives as well. Even some professionals who are qualified to practice medically refuse to get registered all in the name of running away from paying taxes.
However, the Rivers State government is ready to put a stop to all of these illegal activities in the State. According to Dr Henry Ayuk, these illegal and unethical practices have caused great havoc in the society instead of creating solutions. Leading to the endangerment of people’s lives and health.
So, in order to stop this, the government has come up with a plan to search the nooks and crannies of the state and shut down all illegal laboratories and Pharmacies as well.
He however gave those guilty of these illegal acts two solid weeks to regularise their practices before they face the wrath of what the state government has in store for them.
He said, “More so, the government is also determined to seal off any medical laboratory or pharmacy that does not meet the regulatory standard.
“Take further notice that at the expiration of this date, the State Ministry of Health shall take the necessary action without further recourse to affected persons.”
