Ogun CHOs Fire Back At ANPMP, Say Allegations Are Misleading And Unlawful

The Association of Community Health Private Practitioners of Nigeria (ACHPPN), Ogun State Chapter, has dismissed the recent accusations made by the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), describing the claims as misleading, unfair and harmful to the integrity of community health practice.

In a detailed statement issued to journalists, ACHPPN said ANPMP’s public assertions that Community Health Officers operate outside their scope and contribute to quackery were not supported by law or fact. The association insisted that the comments represent a “misguided interpretation of the regulatory framework guiding primary healthcare in Nigeria.”

ACHPPN faulted ANPMP’s selective reference to the Community Health Practitioners Act, CAP C19 LFN 2004, and the Ogun State Private Health Institutions Registration Edict of 1988. It said these laws must be read in full context, stressing that the federal law expressly recognises Community Health Officers as trained, licensed and regulated professionals. According to the statement, “any claim suggesting otherwise is a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.”

The association clarified that the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria is the body empowered to accredit institutions, license practitioners and regulate community health practice in all settings. ACHPPN added that CHOs are permitted to provide promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative services at the primary level. It stated that “CHOs who establish private primary healthcare clinics within their approved mandate are acting within the law.”

Emphasising the depth of their training, the group explained that CHOs undergo structured education that cuts across colleges of health technology and teaching hospitals. ACHPPN noted that these programmes include both academic and clinical components, concluding with licensure and renewal requirements. The statement said, “to suggest that such professionals are quacks is an insult to the institutions that trained them and the Federal Government that regulates them.”

The association reiterated that CHOs do not perform surgeries, do not impersonate medical doctors and do not claim titles that do not belong to them. It explained that CHOs operate strictly under approved standing orders and work with supervising physicians when necessary. It added that the profession enforces strict disciplinary actions internally for anyone who violates ethical boundaries.

ACHPPN urged ANPMP to direct its concerns to the real sources of quackery, which it said are well documented. These include the illegal training of auxiliary nurses, the employment of unqualified personnel in private clinics and unsanctioned clinical procedures carried out by individuals without proper credentials. The group said it is “misleading and unprofessional to shift blame away from the actual sources of the problem.”

The association addressed ANPMP’s reference to recent arrests of individuals posing as medical doctors. ACHPPN stressed that none of the suspects involved in those cases were Community Health Officers. It criticised what it described as an attempt to generalise isolated incidents and use them to tarnish an entire profession. The statement said, “professional misconduct by one individual must never be used to stigmatise thousands who practice legally and ethically.”

ACHPPN added that the health sector is already facing significant challenges ranging from manpower shortages to inadequate access to care in rural communities. It warned that antagonising CHOs, who play a crucial role in grassroots healthcare, would worsen these challenges. The group maintained that CHOs are essential to disease surveillance, immunisation programmes and maternal and child health services.

The association further explained that allowing CHOs to operate clinics within their scope supports the National Health Policy and the Primary Healthcare Under One Roof initiative. It argued that restricting their activities would undermine efforts to expand healthcare access in underserved communities. ACHPPN stated that “any attempt to suppress CHOs will reduce access to basic care and increase preventable illnesses.”

It also called for improved collaboration among all health professions in the state, noting that interprofessional conflict does not benefit the public. The group appealed for a more constructive approach to regulation, one centred on strengthening inspection systems, enforcing standards and protecting patients. It encouraged ANPMP to join hands with relevant bodies rather than create division.

ACHPPN appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, the Commissioner for Health, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to examine the facts and protect the integrity of primary healthcare delivery. The association urged the public to disregard false claims and maintain confidence in the competence of CHOs. It said, “CHOs are regulated, licensed and legitimate contributors to the health system.”

The group reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, accountability and the improvement of community health across Ogun State. It expressed readiness to work with the Ministry of Health and other professional bodies to enhance primary healthcare delivery. The statement concluded that “ACHPPN will continue to defend the rights of CHOs to practice legally and to serve communities with dedication and integrity.”

The association maintained that it welcomes dialogue and constructive engagement but will not accept any attempt to misrepresent, diminish or unlawfully restrict the work of CHOs in Ogun State. It insisted that community health practice remains a vital pillar of the nation’s healthcare structure and must be protected from misinformation.