As part of effort to further uncover quacks and those with criminal tendencies in the field of Alternate Medicine practice, Ogun State Alternate Medicine Board (OGAMB) has inaugurated taskforce to curb unlawful practices in the sub-sector.
The Chairman, Ogun State Alternate Medicine Board (OGAMB), Balogun Nurudeen Olaleye made this known in Abeokuta during a-day workshop in collaboration with the National Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP), and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with the theme: “The Impact of Selling and Preparation of Herbal Medicine in Nigeria”.
Olaleye said the move would enable members operating from various specialised fields to have separate taskforce that would be working with the State enforcement team, so as to flush out quacks and reposition the Sub-Sector.
The Chairman added that the enforcement mechanism put in place for Alternate Medicine practice in Ogun State, has become a must with immediate effect as stipulated in the law that established the Board.
“The rate at which the image of the practice is been dented by quacks due to carefree attitude of some practitioners would no longer be tolerated in the State. Quacks in the Sub – sector must leave the State now or they will be arrested and prosecuted by the law”, Olaleye said.
In his address, the State Commandant, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Commander Mathew Eije, noted that Alternate Medicine practice was as old as the evolution of man on earth and long existing before the presence of orthodox practice with lots of pride and respect but wondered where all the acclaimed greatness and prides are now.
He said his Agency was ready to wage war against drug abuse, warning trado practitioners to be very careful with what they sell to the public for consumption.
In his remarks, the State Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi lauded the collaboration, affirming that it would go a long way at sanitising the sub-sector.
Oyeyemi said it is compulsory for all practitioners to join necessary associations that have to do with their practice and register with the government to be certified, adding that anyone who has not registered with the government is not qualify to practice in Ogun State and such a person would be considered as a criminal.
Earlier in his welcome address, the State Chairman, NANTMP, Chief Samson Soyoye, commended the present administration for considering the health sector and the trado medicine as one of government’s priority, saying the commitments of the Governor and the Board have inspired them to be more committed.
He assured that with the inauguration of the taskforce, his Association would be more dedicated to the practice of Alternate Medicine.
