The Coordinating Ministry of Health and Social Development, Prof. Ali Pate has vowed that strict measures will be taken to fight criminal activities in health practices.
Pate disclosed this while responding to a newspaper investigation, titled ‘Inside Abuja’s Kidney ‘Market’.
The Minister who took to his X, formerly Twitter page condemned the depravity and criminality revealed in the report.
He bemoaned that the development revealed the depth of depravity and criminality prevalent in sections of the society.
Commenting on the pain of victims, Pate quoted the NHA (2014) sections 51-56, which prohibit such illegality, stressing the need for stringent enforcement.
“To be clear, there is a sound policy and legal framework that enables regulation of health practice in Nigeria, including medically necessary transplantation.
“The NHA (2014) sections 51-56 clearly prohibits the illegality uncovered by the journalists. The central issues are on the enforcement practices and evasion of such legal and regulatory guidelines by unpatriotic criminal elements. This is similar in some ways to many other acts of criminality in society.
“To enhance effectiveness of government in regulating practices, in line with the renewed hope agenda, the @Fmohnigeria inaugurated the Tertiary Hospitals Care Standards Committee 4 weeks ago and is making it functional. In the proposed 2024 appropriation directed by @officialABAT we slated significant resources to enhance such regulations and curb the criminality experienced by Nigerians over so many years in the past.
The minister pointed out the government’s commitment to improving regulations, as evidenced by the recent inauguration of the Tertiary Hospitals Care Standards Committee.
Pate stated further that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria was also gearing up to enforce standards to be followed by medical professionals in Nigeria.
He then noted that regulation of hospitals relied on state governments, calling on them to step up to ensure such facilities in their domains were properly checked.
The Minister commended journalists for doing their job unbiased and without sentiment.
“We appreciate journalists conducting their work, unbiased and without sensationalism. At the end of the day, it is all of us, as Nigerian people that will make this country better. In our Ministry @DrTunjiAlausa and I, along with all our colleagues, are committed to improving our effectiveness and efficiency in the exercise of the mandate granted by Mr President.”
