Minister Attributes Proliferation of Illegal Activities in Nigeria’s Health Sector to Lack of Oversight

• Minister Alausa expresses concern over unregulated healthcare sector in Nigeria, emphasizes need for effective legislation to eliminate quackery
• Federal government plans to establish Health Facility Regulatory Commission; aims to increase healthcare professionals’ production and improve service standards

Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health, has revealed that over 60 percent of healthcare services in Nigeria are provided by the private sector without adequate supervision, leading to the proliferation of illegal practices such as organ harvesting.

During a courtesy visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta on Friday, Alausa expressed concern over the prevalence of unregulated healthcare facilities and practitioners in the country.

He emphasized the urgent need for legislation to regulate the healthcare sector effectively, eliminate quackery, and enhance service delivery standards.

Alausa outlined the federal government’s plan to establish a Health Facility Regulatory Commission to oversee healthcare standards nationwide and urged states to establish their regulatory bodies to complement these efforts.

Furthermore, Alausa disclosed the government’s intention to bolster the production of healthcare professionals by admitting 10,000 medical students annually and increasing the annual intake of nurses from 28,000 to 68,000.

Highlighting President Bola Tinubu’s Sectoral Approach Programme, Alausa delineated the allocation of funds towards basic health provision, primary healthcare centers, national health insurance, and emergency services, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and quality.

In response, Governor Abiodun pledged his administration’s commitment to collaborate with the federal government in eradicating quackery in the health sector. He highlighted initiatives the state undertook, including establishing a board for alternative medicine to regulate traditional birth attendants and ensure oversight of their activities.

Abiodun affirmed the state’s dedication to implementing robust regulatory measures to safeguard public health and enhance the quality of healthcare services.