Ibadan: The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo state, in collaboration with the Oyo State House Committee on Health and the Ministry of Health, has taken decisive action by shutting down Obeki Pharmacy located in the Monatan area of Ibadan. The closure of the pharmacy, which took place on Monday, is part of an ongoing effort to combat illegal medical practices in the region.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the Oyo state NMA Chairman, Dr. Happy Adedapo, revealed that Obeki Pharmacy was notorious for engaging in quackery and unauthorized medical activities. Owned by Mr. Paulson Obeki, the pharmacy will remain closed until further notice due to its involvement in activities that exceed its legal mandate. These activities reportedly include performing surgical procedures, admitting patients, and operating as a full-fledged hospital without appropriate registration.
Dr. Adedapo emphasized that the owner, Mr. Obeki, will face prosecution and fines. Additionally, a commitment will be sought from him to refrain
from engaging in any medical practices in the future. He urged others involved in similar illegal activities to cease immediately, warning that the law would soon catch up with them, with no exceptions.
The NMA chairman expressed concern over the risks posed to the general public, highlighting that individuals could be financially exploited and their health conditions worsened before reaching legitimate medical facilities. He described quackery as a significant evil that benefits no one and called for collective efforts to eradicate it in Oyo state to prevent its harmful consequences.