The Federal government has unveiled no fewer than 200 surveillance teams to tackle quackery and enhance the oversight of medical rehabilitation professionals in Nigeria.
It said the initiative becomes necessary because, with only 170 staff members and limited funding, the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board (MRTB) struggles to monitor the entire country effectively.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa, at the Launching of the Surveillance Program and Opening Ceremony of MRTB Guest House in Abuja, therefore, said, to address this challenge and enhance health security for Nigerians, the Federal Government unveiled 200 volunteers from across the nation to serve as Surveillance Officers.
Alausa added that the the volunteers have undergone rigorous screening, training, and preparation to uphold professional standards and report any misconduct to the Board.
Alausa while also unveiling the operation manuals of the Surveillance Officers, noted that the milestone marks a significant step forward in the fight against healthcare quackery and the enhancement of healthcare governance in Nigeria.
Addressing the newly appointed surveillance officers, the Minister emphasized their crucial role in reducing quackery and improving healthcare delivery, saying, “Your job will not be easy,” he said, “but remember that you are helping to ensure every Nigerian receives meaningful and comprehensive healthcare, as mandated by President Bola Tinubu.”
He charged the Surveillance Officers to be responsible and patriotic even in the face of provocation and the economic realities, while imploring the Board to put a secondary mechanism in place besides the Manual for checking the officers for intermittent monitoring
Earlier, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) MRTB, Prof. Rufai Yusuf Ahmad, expressed confidence in their capabilities, emphasizing their crucial role in safeguarding Nigerian citizens from quackery and unprofessional conduct in medical rehabilitation practices.
“We are shifting our focus from merely apprehending offenders to a holistic approach to regulation.”
“This approach includes raising public awareness, reviewing laws and regulations, and forging partnerships with stakeholders such as the National Orientation Agency, media outlets, the police force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, and others”.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) assured the Board of its unwavering support, ensuring that the surveillance exercises across the States would not be compromised.
Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, explained that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with special needs and ensuring that they receive the care, support, and opportunities they deserve.
“Furthermore, President Tinubu’s administration is dedicated and committed to implementing policies and initiatives that promote inclusivity and Equal Opportunities for all Nigerians in all ramifications which was why he created the office of the SSA on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities and appointed me to liaise with MDAs, sub-national authorities, OPDs, Development Partners, Donor Agencies and other relevant stakeholders to create avenues of opportunities for the inclusion of disability requirements and perspectives in the formulation of their policies plans and programs.”
“As part of my efforts in fulfilling this mandate to create avenues of opportunities for PWDs, my office is championing a novel initiative called the Beyond Disability Project which shall be launched by Mr President.”
“This Project aims to empower over 5000 talented Persons With Disabilities through talent and skill development, including 368,551 job opportunities for PWDs in Nigeria.”
“The project will provide training, mentorship, and resources for persons with disabilities to unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economy.”
