The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has warned erring private medical practitioners engaging in unwholesome practices to desist from such act or risk jail sentence.

The MDCN on Friday in Osi, Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti raided the New Era Hospital for allegedly practicing without payment of dues since 1982.

Dr Henry Okwukeye, the Head of the Inspectorate of MDCN told newsmen that the Council received a report that the hospital was allegedly engaged in unpleasant practices.

Okwukeye said that the hospital had refused to keep an update with the Council.

He added that “we received a tip off that the owner of the hospital engaged in unnecessary operations which had caused deaths of patients.

“That is why we are here to investigate.’’

The MDCN head, who described the practitioner as a qualified doctor, however, said he had been in Osi for 33 years” and had robbed MDCN of dues.

“People have no regard for rule of law. The era of impunity is gone and far gone.

“Any doctor practicing anywhere without a licence is violating the Nigerian law and the arm of the law will soon fall on them.

“The penalty is dependent on the gravity of offence. It ranges from suspension to fines, imprisonment and withdrawal of certificate,” he said.

He said that the practitioner would pay a sum of N552,000 as accumulated dues before he could be free to operate the hospital again.
“We discovered that he had a full registration certificate from MDCN.

“It is sad to know that since 1982 that he got full licence, he never came for Continuous Medical Development or Continuous Professional Development to update himself.

“This has made it difficult for him to know his boundary/limits. There’s a difference between compassion and professionalism.

“When you see a patient dying and you know with what you have you can’t help the patient, you should refer the patient to where he/she can get help,” he added.

(NAN)