Traditional Medicine practitioners in Nigeria are urging the National Assembly to prioritise the establishment of a governing body to regulate their field. This was declared during a recent workshop in Abeokuta, organised by the southwest branch of the National Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP) in collaboration with the United Nations Federation of International Astro on the Practice of Traditional Medicine in Nigeria. The primary emphasis was on the necessity of creating the Council for Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine in Nigeria, a step regarded as vital for enhancing the quality and recognition of traditional healthcare practices in the nation.
Shaaba Mekudi, the president of NANTMP, highlighted the critical need for the bill aimed at establishing this council, which is essential for regulating the industry. He noted that the absence of such a regulatory entity would hinder its advancement and international competitiveness. He pointed out that nations such as China and Ghana possess robust traditional medicine councils, which guarantee compliance with established standards. He emphasised the importance of traditional medicine in global health, citing the World Health Organization’s recognition that 85% of people worldwide depend on these alternative treatments.
Advancements will be made to local products while maintaining standards.
He emphasised that Nigeria possesses the essential resources, knowledge, and natural materials to excel in traditional medicine; however, the absence of a structured regulatory system has impeded advancement. Establishing this council is crucial for regulating their practices and ensuring they meet established standards. It would improve quality and synchronise the practice with global norms, facilitating more effective marketing, presentation, and international acknowledgement of Nigeria’s herbal treatments. Another discussion that emerged was the necessity of unity within the sector.
Also, he emphasised the need for cooperation among practitioners, stating that a cohesive approach is crucial for promoting traditional and alternative medicine in Nigeria. They aim to cultivate a community spirit and shared accountability, ensuring that it adheres to high standards, ultimately benefiting both Healthcare Providers and patients. The two-day workshop focused on the theme “The Impacts of NAFDAC in the Preparation and Selling of Herbal Medicine in Nigeria.” This underscored the necessity for oversight in the formulation and sale of herbal products to guarantee both safety and effectiveness.
This will contribute significantly to the national healthcare framework.
Attendees examined strategies to adhere to the regulations established by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and considered how a focused council might facilitate these initiatives. This educational initiative will improve practitioner expertise. By providing training, they can uplift and enable traditional medicine to contribute significantly to the national healthcare framework. Such initiatives aim to enhance the status of traditional medicine, guaranteeing it is acknowledged and valued as an essential element of healthcare in Nigeria.
The seminar acted as an opportunity for professionals to understand how to navigate Nigeria’s health regulations. Samson Soyoye, President of NANTMP for the Southwest region, emphasised that the event was essential for helping members conduct their practices lawfully. This emphasis on adherence highlights the importance of establishing formal regulations, which would outline specific standards and requirements for traditional medicine providers. A diverse group of influential individuals participated in the workshop, showcasing a strong commitment to enhancing the standards of traditional medicine.
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Moreover, the history of Nigerian traditional medicine is extensive and full of promise; however, significant support is needed to realise this potential. As the bill awaits approval, the aspirations of the group depend on the dedication of the National Assembly and federal authorities to take action. This would safeguard consumers while enabling Nigeria to elevate its herbal medicine industry to international standards, thereby promoting health improvements and economic development. It will protect the practice and preserve its significance as an integral part of the country’s healthcare framework.