BENIN CITY- Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr (Mrs.) Aihanuwa Eregie has appealed to individuals, religious bodies, associations or group of persons who wish to carry out any free medical mission in the state to endeavour to apply to the State Ministry of Health for approval.
The Commissioner made this plea in her office while reacting to the trend in the conduct of free medical mission in the State without recourse to the Ministry of Health, stressing that there is a national guild line guiding the conduct of free medical mission which must be strictly adhered to.
According to her, upon application, the Ministry of Health will look at the scope of services to be rendered, the calibre of personnel to carry out such services (whether they are qualified or not) the plans and to what extent, pointing out that these measures are very necessary with a view to protecting our citizen from falling victims of quack practice.
Dr. Eregie however gave the assurance that Edo State Government is very much willing to collaborate with genuine religious body, association, individual or group of persons who want to promote the health needs of the people.
The Health Commissioner also observed with dismay the rate at which private health facilities (Hospital, Maternity, Laboratory, Radio Diagnostic centre) are springing up in the State without due registration with the State Ministry of Health, adding that it is illegal for one to set up any medical facility without recourse to the Ministry of Health.
She however, warned that any private health facility in the State without due registration will be shut down and the Proprietor sanctioned accordingly, advising the public to be wary of such facilities and free medical missions.
