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Following an unfortunate incident involving a free medical outreach gone wrong in the state, the Abia State Government has banned all free medical missions unless they are approved by the government.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made this announcement while briefing the press on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
He stated, “Going forward, all free medical missions must be approved by the Commissioner for Health. It is now an offence to offer such philanthropic healthcare or free services without the express approval of the Commissioner for Health.”
According to the commissioner, the aim is to prevent the potential dangers of unregulated medical outreaches or programmes that may cause harm rather than help the people of Abia.
It was reported that many individuals were hospitalised in Abiriba, Ohafia Local Government Area, following a free medical outreach that went wrong, possibly due to tampered or counterfeit medication.
Confirming the incident, the state Commissioner for Health, Ogbonnaya Uche, stated on Monday in Umuahia that the event was suspected to have been caused by adverse drug reactions.
He said, “The ministry is deeply concerned about the consequences of unauthorised outreach. Residents should exercise caution when dealing with organisers of unapproved healthcare events.”
The commissioner added that the organisers of the outreach had failed to obtain the necessary approvals from the ministry.
He warned that unauthorised medical events would now face prosecution to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
He assured the public that healthcare personnel were working diligently to stabilise and treat those affected.
Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, for comment were unsuccessful.
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