The Cross River State Government has taken a decisive stand against illegal medical practice, announcing a stringent crackdown on all unlicensed health outfits operating within its borders. Governor Bassey Otu's administration has declared a policy of zero tolerance, targeting both public and private sector violators.
Commissioner Issues Stern Warning, Cites Recent Arrests
Dr. Henry Ayuk, the State Commissioner for Health, delivered a firm warning on Monday, December 23, 2025. He stated that the state will no longer tolerate any form of quackery. This declaration follows the recent arrest of ten herbal practitioners in Calabar. The practitioners were taken into custody for illegally setting up a herbal medicine outreach at the popular Christmas Village located at the Calabar Municipal Secretariat, without obtaining the necessary government approvals or licenses.
Dr. Ayuk emphasized a critical point of law: no practitioner—whether in orthodox or traditional medicine—has the right to establish a medical facility or outreach anywhere in Cross River State without proper assessment, clearance, and authorisation from the State Ministry of Health. He condemned such unauthorized activities as dangerous and reckless, highlighting the severe public health risks they pose.
Grave Risks and Government's Resolve
The Commissioner outlined the potential consequences of illegal medical practice, which include severe health complications like liver and kidney failure, and even avoidable deaths. These risks stem from the use of unvalidated drugs and unapproved procedures. To combat this menace, the government is strengthening its Health Quality and Anti-Quackery Task Force. In the coming year, this task force will intensify surveillance, enforcement, and prosecution of offenders.
Furthermore, Dr. Ayuk revealed that a bill to establish a State Anti-Quackery Agency is in its final stages. This agency will provide a more robust legal framework to tackle the issue decisively. The Commissioner also issued direct cautions to other stakeholders who might enable quackery.
Warnings to Media and Landlords
Media organisations were urged to refrain from promoting or airing medical activities without prior clearance from the State Ministry of Health. Such publicity, he warned, emboldens quacks and exposes citizens to grave risks. A similar warning was extended to landlords, including local government authorities, advising them not to lease properties for medical services without the Ministry's clearance. Anyone found aiding or abetting illegal medical practice will be held accountable.
"The health and lives of Cross Riverians are non-negotiable," Dr. Ayuk declared. He affirmed the government's commitment to enforcing existing laws to their fullest extent to protect the public from medical fraud and abuse. This crackdown signifies a major push to sanitize the health sector and ensure safe healthcare standards for all residents.
