Anambra Calls on NMA to Help Tackle Illegal Health Facilities

The Anambra State Government has reached out to the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) for support in its efforts to shut down illegal and unregistered health facilities in the state.

Adam Obidike, the health commissioner in Anambra, made this request during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Physicians Week and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Medical Association, Awka Zone in Awka on Sunday.

The theme for the Week, Luncheon, and Award Presentation Ceremony was “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.”

Mr Obidike, who is also a medical doctor, emphasized that the NMA is an important partner. He stated that the government plans to work together with the association to identify and track down fake and unregistered health facilities.

He said, “Anambra is going to work with the NMA because they will help us to identify people who are not medical personnel practicing in Anambra.”

“We are determined to shut all of them down because when people go there, they receive treatment that is not proper for their ailment.”

The commissioner mentioned, “We have a checklist and anybody who wants to set up a facility should go to the department of medical services and get the conditions, including the design of the building.”

In his welcome address, Tim-Uzoma Mbaeri, chairman of NMA, Awka Zone, shared that this year’s Physicians Week and Scientific Conference was a time to celebrate the medical profession and reconnect members.

Mr Mbaeri, a professor, explained that the association used the event to visit sick colleagues and provide free laboratory tests, including prostate-specific antigens testing and urinalysis.

He expressed gratitude to the members and partners of the NMA, Awka branch, whose support made the physicians’ week a success.

“We also enjoyed a novelty football match, had an opportunity for friendship, recreation, and strong inter-agency relationships.”

Mr Mbaeri added, “We find satisfaction not merely in the event we organised, but in the lives we have touched, the colleagues we have encouraged, the relationships we have strengthened and the visibility we have given to our profession.”

He also mentioned that three individuals received awards for their meritorious service to the medical profession and the NMA. The awardees include Ifeoma Njelita, Emmanuel Umenweke, and Amaka Ezeno.

Njelita is an associate professor and consultant in community medicine at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital. Umenweke works as a medical doctor at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Medical Center, Awka. Ezeno is a lawyer, a Notary Public, and a member of the Body of Benchers.