Dr. Iziak Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare has reiterated efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.

He made the commitment when he visited the Dental Therapists Registration Board of Nigeria (DThRBN) in Lagos.

While strongly condemning quackery, he emphasized that one of his top priorities is to eradicate unlicensed practitioners and eliminate unapproved or non accredited programmes in health training institutions

He directed the Registrar and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Dental Therapists Registration Board of Nigeria (DThRBN) to close all training schools that are not in compliance with regulatory standards.

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Salako pointed out that the directive is aimed at ensuring that only qualified and competent Dental professionals under the purview of the Board are licensed to practice, thereby protecting the health and well-being of Nigerians.

He noted that the visit underscores the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s commitment to promoting quality healthcare services and importance of health regulatory bodies in the meaningful contributions to the progress in the health sector.

While commending the Registrar/CEO of DThRBN, Mercy Omowumi Ojo for her outstanding performance particularly in the area of digitalization of activities of the Board, he advised the Board to enhance its initiatives and diversify its efforts to sustain efficiency and cost effectiveness.

He added that the visit is a significant step towards achieving the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s vision of providing high-quality healthcare services to Nigerians.

While responding, Ojo, the Registrar/CEO of DThRBN, said that the DThRBN is responsible for regulating the trainings and professional practice of Dental Therapists and Dental Surgery Technicians in Nigeria, ensuring that they meet the required standards of education, training, and professional competence.