The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Cross River State Branch, has commended the state government for arresting and prosecuting 10 unlicensed traditional medicine practitioners, describing the action as necessary for public safety.
The association made the commendation in a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Chairman, Dr Ezoke Epoke.
Epoke praised the administration of Gov. Bassey Otu for taking decisive steps to curb unsafe medical practices in the state.
He recalled that the association had earlier petitioned the government over the activities of unlicensed traditional medicine practitioners who were operating openly at a trade fair in Calabar Municipality.
According to him, the vendors offered medical treatments and sold unapproved herbal products to unsuspecting members of the public, thereby posing serious health risks.
Epoke said the action taken by the government demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding public health across the state.
He warned that unlicensed practitioners exposed the public to contaminated, adulterated and unregulated products, many of which were not approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
He also expressed concern over false medical claims and the impersonation of qualified health professionals.
The NMA chairman commended the Commissioner for Health, the Nigeria Police Force and the Anti-Quackery Task Force for their collaboration, and called for sustained regulation of traditional medicine practice across the state.
The statement added that the arrested practitioners—nine males and one female—had been remanded at the Aforkang Correctional Centre, pending the fulfillment of their bail conditions as ordered by the court.
