The Enugu State government says it has intensified efforts to eliminate quackery across health professions, particularly within medical laboratory practice, to safeguard public health and improve healthcare service delivery statewide.

Commissioner for Health, George Ugwu, said this on Friday in Enugu while receiving the national president of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Casimir Ifeanyi.

Mr Ugwu decried the growing incidence of unprofessional practices, including facilities where laboratory services were combined with pharmacies, treatment centres, provision stores and other unauthorised commercial activities across communities.

According to him, such practices are unacceptable, compromise professional standards and pose serious risks to patient safety, diagnostic accuracy and the overall quality of healthcare services.

He reaffirmed the government’s determination to eliminate quackery, especially in laboratory operations, through sustained monitoring, stricter regulation, enforcement measures and compliance with established professional standards.

The commissioner commended AMLSN for its commitment to promoting excellence in medical laboratory science and advancing public health through advocacy, professional development and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

Mr Ugwu assured the association of the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with professional bodies whose activities align with the government’s vision of delivering accessible, quality and people-centred healthcare services.

He highlighted achievements recorded under Governor Peter Mbah’s administration, including investments in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, primary healthcare revitalisation and initiatives aimed at improving service delivery statewide.

According to him, stronger partnerships between government and healthcare professionals remain critical to building a resilient health system capable of meeting residents’ needs.

Mr Ugwu urged members of the association to remain steadfast in upholding professionalism, ethical conduct, and best practices to strengthen confidence in healthcare services.

Earlier, Mr Ifeanyi briefed the commissioner on the association’s forthcoming Annual Public Health Lecture, scheduled to hold in Enugu.

Mr Ifeanyi, accompanied by members of the association’s national executive and Enugu State chapter, solicited government support, goodwill and participation in the event.

“The annual lecture is aimed at advancing quality healthcare delivery, promoting public health awareness, and fostering stronger collaboration among healthcare professionals and government institutions,” he said.

He noted that the association remained committed to improving professional standards and supporting initiatives that would enhance healthcare outcomes for residents of Enugu State and Nigeria.

Mr Ifeanyi added that collaboration among healthcare stakeholders remained essential to strengthening service delivery, promoting evidence-based practice and advancing sustainable improvements within the nation’s health sector.

(NAN)