The Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria (ACHN) has called on government to clamp down on unaccredited schools of health sciences and technology  operating illegally across Kaduna State.

The community health practitioners raised alarm over potential hazards and threats to public health and professional standards associated with the proliferation of such mushroom colleges in the society, particularly on women and children at the grassroots.

Chairman of the association, Aliyu Umar at a press conference on Wednesday, said that only 25 community health colleges have accreditation of regulatory body to operate as training Institutions for grassroots health practitioners.

While urging parents and guardians to cross-check with regulatory bodies to avoid enrolling their kids and wards into unqualified training Institutions for the general good of the society.

“We have identified several illegal institutions across various Local Government Areas misleading the public and producing unqualified personnel, promoting quackery and undermining the quality of healthcare delivery in our communities.

“We have submitted a comprehensive list of unaccredited schools to Kaduna State Ministry and Health and Ministry of Education, urging immediate action to checkmate and close the illegal institutions in collaboration with security agencies and Local Government Councils.

“We have also urged the two ministries to publish the list of duly recognized and accredited health Institutions in the state and restrict clinical training in public health facilities to students form approved institutions only.

“We advise parents to verify the accreditation status of any school before enrolling their wards to avoid wasting time and resources on unrecognized programs.

“We remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of the Community Health Profession and will continue to work with the Ministry of Health and CHRN to ensure only qualified practitioners serve the people of Kaduna State,” he assured.