FROM QUACKERY TO FORGERY, WHAT GIVES THESE QUACKS THE LIVER?

On Thurday 17th of September,2020 the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) Chairman, Comrade Obasi Bornbless U and the Ebonyi state Director of Nursing Services Dr. Mrs. Alegu Deborah, apprehended two impersonators who presented as Nurses to be employed during oral interview for employment, organized by Ebonyi state Ministry of Health in Abakaliki.

One of the  impersonators who was identified as Nworie Obiageri Juliet from IVO LGA of Ebonyi state who presented a copy of  forged Notification of registration as a nurse and a copy of forged Nursing Licence, pleaded for forgiveness and blamed the devil for allowing her perpetrate the criminal act. However, she refused to disclose how,where and who forged the certificate for her.

The other impersonator, who was simply identified as  Ada Awolu from AFIKPO SOUTH L.G.A., a patent medicine vendor, (Chemist) who claimed to have studied at a College of health Science in Abia state cried bitterly and pleaded guilty.  She however claimed that she was told to apply for the Job meant for qualified Nurses and Midwives by a prominent politician from her area. 

Furthermore, NANNM chairman Comrade Obasi Bornbless and the Director of  Nursing Services, Dr. Mrs. Alegu Deborah with the Chairman of State NANNM Anti quackery committee, Comrade  Ken. Ishiali collectively handed over the impersonators to DSSS for further investigation and possible prosecution. 

The rate of crime against humanity and non safe guiding the health of the public has climaxed from quackery to forgery because the authorities concerned kept mute on the matter while the situation gets out of hand. This brings up the issue of digitalisation of licensure and registration as seen in the USA, UK, IRELAND and other developed nations and abolishment of physical license to assist in curtailing forgery and quackery as respective employers will be able to verify licensure and registration of any acclaimed registered Nurse and Midwife online via the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria website.