Stakeholders in the Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) sector have called for the creation of an independent ministry for traditional medicine in Nigeria.
The call was made in a communiqué issued on Sunday at the end of the South-South Regional TCAM Conference held in Benin. The communiqué was jointly signed by the convener, Prof. Adedamola Bank Kadejo; South-South TCAM leader, Prof. Joseph Akpile; Prof. Baba Ejiga; Prof. Anastasia Ndidiamaka; and Dr. James Iwowarri.
The stakeholders commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ongoing reforms, including the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, noting that a dedicated ministry for traditional medicine would further strengthen national development.
According to the communiqué, an independent ministry would drive advanced research, standardize practices, enhance regulation, and boost foreign exchange earnings from the sector. The stakeholders noted that countries such as India have long institutionalized similar ministries with positive outcomes.
They emphasized that the proposed ministry would generate income, create employment opportunities, and expand access to affordable healthcare. Elevating the current department to a full-fledged ministry, they said, would reposition traditional medicine for optimal contribution to national health and economic growth.
“Upgrading the department to a full ministry will enable effective regulation, research, and development of traditional medicine,” the communiqué stated.
TCAM practitioners expressed optimism that the creation of the ministry would unlock the sector’s economic potential, promote cultural identity, and strengthen healthcare delivery across the country.
