The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has received a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in a bid to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and address the critical rise in quackery within the healthcare sector.
The visit, led by the NANNM National President, Comrade Haruna Mamman, focused on strengthening the constructive collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and healthcare professionals to ensure the protection of lives.
Speaking during the session, Comrade Mamman voiced the association’s deep concerns regarding the proliferation of unlicensed medical practitioners across the country.
He highlighted that the increasing patronage of these quacks by unsuspecting citizens poses a severe threat to public health and undermines the integrity of the medical profession.
The NANNM leadership formally sought the intervention and support of the Inspector-General of Police to curb this trend and ensure the safety of Nigerian patients.
In his address, the IGP lauded the indispensable role of nurses and midwives in the nation’s healthcare fabric.
He drew a poignant parallel between the nursing profession and the police force, noting that both require expertise and integrity, empathy and Humanity, a commitment to serving people during their most vulnerable moments, and resilience, highlighting that both professions share a common ground.
The IGP further reiterated his commitment to building public trust and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
Responding to the issue of quackery raised by the leadership of the NANNM, he urged the association to establish a seamless communication channel with the Force to facilitate joint operations against unlicensed clinics and practitioners.
The event had in its attendance members of the Force Management Team; the Director, Directorate of Force Medical Services, AIG Nkechi Eze; other senior police officers, top executive members of the association, including Comrade Bornbless Obasi, Comrade Jama Medan, Mrs Adeboye Christianah, Mrs Ampitan Evelyn, Comrade Oluwatoyin Ofere, Mr Amusa Kazeem, Mrs Ekong Omowumi, Mr Olugbade Taiwo and Mrs Balogun Omosalewa.