Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Plateau State has arrested a fake medical doctor operating in the state.
A statement jointly signed by Dr. Bapigaan William Audu the NMA Chairman in the state and Dr. Istifanus Bintum Bako the Public Relations Officer of the association said that the arrest was in collaboration with the Plateau State Ministry of Health.
According to the statement, “This is to inform our esteemed members and the general public that NMA Plateau in collaboration with the Plateau State Ministry of Health has facilitated the discreet investigation and subsequent arrest of another fake doctor carrying out nefarious activities in schools and worship centers across the state.
“The impostor who goes by the names “George Ossai” and “Kelvin Paul” was arrested on Monday 18th March 2024 within Jos metropolis and was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Police Headquarters Jos the next day.”
The NMA Chairman has stated to the police regarding the matter while further investigations are ongoing.
The NMA called on members of the public to report any suspected fake doctor to the NMA Plateau State via any of its officials or via 0816 086 2093.
It said that complaints can also be made to the Inspectorate Unit within the State Ministry of Health Headquarters, Plateau State Secretariat Jos.
The NMA, while commending the Security agencies for their cooperation, enjoins the public to always seek the services of health professionals within the confines of a health facility like clinic, hospital or medical centre rather than engaging anyone selling ‘medicines’ or claiming to be a medical doctor.
NMA said it will 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,” NMA said.
“We also use this avenue to call on other impostors disguising as ‘doctors’ to desist forthwith from carrying on with their illegal acts as the long arm of the law with surely catch up with them.”
