Veterinary Doctors Move To Check Quackery In Rivers

Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), Rivers State Chapter, has begun enforcement of laws to check quacks in the industry.
The Chairman, Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Rivers State Branch, Dr Godswill Ukoikpoko, in a statement recently declared that all Veterinary outfits operating in the State must meet all the requirements as stipulated by the Veterinary Council of Nigeria or have their premises sealed.
Dr Ukoikpoko made the declaration when he led members of the Veterinary Council of Nigeriat, Rivers State Branch to commence the sealing of unapproved Veterinary stores in Port Harcourt.
Dr Ukoikpoko who is also the Director, Livestock and Veterinary Services in Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, said the action had become necessary following rising quackery and the proliferation of illegal Veterinary drugs stores in the State
He stated that anybody who intended to venture into veterinary business must register with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria.
Noting that they are the statutory body that regulates the activities of Veterinary Surgeons in Nigeria, he insisted that all operators in the sub sector must be registered.
“If you are not a veterinary doctor and you want to open a veterinary business, you are expected to engage a veterinary surgeon to manage it and get the premises registered with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria to regularize it”, he said.
The Chairman stressed that the long arm of the law would catch up with those that are not veterinary doctors, but are selling and administering veterinary drugs and warned them to stop forthwith.
Dr Ukoikpoko clarified that those trained in Animal Health were allowed to man some veterinary premises, but with supervision of a veterinary doctor.

By: Kevin Nengia