The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Plateau State chapter has arrested a man parading himself as a medical doctor operating in the state, Nigeria Tribune reports.
According to a statement signed by the association chairman, Dr. Bapigaan William Audu, and the public relations officer, Dr. Istifanus Bintum respectively, the arrest was in collaboration with the Plateau State Ministry of Health.
The statement depicted that Plateau State NMA, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health, facilitated the discreet investigation and subsequent arrest of the fake doctor carrying out nefarious activities in schools and worship centers across the state.
“The impostor, who goes by the name George Ossai, was arrested on Monday, March 18, 2024, within Jos metropolis and was transferred to the CID, Police Headquarters Jos, the next day. The NMA has given a statement to the police regarding the matter, while further investigations are ongoing.”
The NMA, therefore, called on members of the public to report any suspected fake doctor to the NMA Plateau State, adding that complaints can also be made to the Inspectorate Unit within the State Ministry of Health Headquarters, Plateau State Secretariat Jos.
It commended the police for their cooperation and enjoined the public to always seek the services of health professionals within the confines of a health facility (clinic, hospital, or medical center) rather than engaging anyone selling ‘medicines’ or claiming to be a medical doctor.
The association promised to continue to assist the government and citizens in delivering an efficient and effective healthcare delivery system in order to safeguard the health of Nigerians and check the activities of these unscrupulous elements hiding under the guise of health to defraud the unsuspecting public and tarnish the nobility, integrity, and professional excellence of the medical profession and doctors.
