ASHENEWS reports that traditional medicine practitioners in Nigeria have called for a policy to regulate herbal medicines and practitioners.
Some of the experts in the area of traditional medicine who spoke with ASHENEWS in Sokoto state noted that despite the widespread patronage of traditional healers, they still operate without adequate regulation.
The Secretary-General, Nigerian Traditional Medicine Exhibitors, Mr. Ahmed Ayodele stated that the industry was yet to gain the recognition it deserves due to a lack of government support.
“We could have gained 90 percent glory if the government of Nigeria fully intervened.
“We have different departments in traditional medicine. We have those who are taking care of the spiritual aspect, we have borne and physiotherapy people, we have those in gynecology. So, as we have it in the orthodox way, we have it traditionally.”
Ayodele said that the call for recognition became necessary to establish a policy that regulates the operational standards of traditional medicine producers and the safety of those seeking traditional remedies.
“Due to the government nonintervention, people are just doing what they like, they are not exhibiting the talent and the experiences gained from their forefathers,” Ayodele decried.
The expert further urged the government to consider incorporating their services into the broader healthcare system.
He noted that practitioners have since upgraded their practice to involve the use of scientific research in creating remedies.
“Traditional medicine of today is different from how our forefathers were doing it in the olden days. For instance, our organization, Ayo Global Nigeria Limited, normally produces our medicine through a scientific process. we have upgraded led and now have machines that are checking the percentage of chemicals and the normal body requirement before we do the mixture.”
A renowned traditional medicine seller in Sokoto state, Dr. Umar Abubakar Nasarawa also agreed on the need to sanitize the industry against quacks.
“In most places you see local people moving with a car, telling you one medicine can solve 20 or 200 problems. That is a lie. For you to buy medicine from these people, means you don’t know what you are doing. They are the people spoiling the market of traditional medicine sellers. So, we need the government to look into this.”
A public health expert, Dr. Auwal Gwaronyo equally highlights the importance of a regulatory framework to guide the sector.
On its integration into formal healthcare systems, Dr. Gwaronyo identified regulation as key to ensuring the effectiveness and safety of patients.
“Traditional medicine is an alternative when modern medication cannot be accessed or afforded. So, recognizing and regulating their operations can result in a more effective and inclusive healthcare system for the people of Nigeria,” Gwaronyo said.
By Fadlillah Abdallah
