The Cross River State House of Assembly has officially approved a bill designed to eliminate unlicensed medical practice within the state. Legislators believe this measure will safeguard citizens from unqualified individuals while improving overall health services.
Known as the Law to Prohibit Quackery Practices in the Health Sector of Cross River State, the bill also mandates the creation of a Health Monitoring Task Force. Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, the Deputy Leader of the House and representative for Abi State Constituency, introduced the proposal.
The bill reached its third reading following a review of the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security report. Committee Chairman Rt. Hon. Hillary Bisong stated that the legislation aims to enforce stricter oversight because unauthorized practitioners have caused significant harm, including misdiagnoses and preventable fatalities.
During the committee review, the scope of the bill was expanded from ten to fifteen sections to ensure comprehensive coverage. It also incorporates alignment with national medical regulations. Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem lauded the bill as a signature achievement of the 10th Assembly, reflecting a focus on public welfare. Following a unanimous voice vote for the third reading, the legislation has been sent to Governor Bassey Otu for his formal signature.
