Sanwo-Olu Calls For Professionalism Among Traditional Medicine Practitioners

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday urged members of Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB) to maintain good work ethics and professionalism, warning that anyone found practising any form of healthcare delivery without a licence, will be sanctioned and prosecuted.

Sanwo-Olu spoke during the celebration of Y2022 African Traditional Medicine Day with the theme: “Two Decades of African Traditional Medicine: Progress Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage in Africa.” held in Alausa, Ikeja.

Represented at the event by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, the Governor decried the high incidence of quackery, traditional medicine hawkers and concoction mixers, stating that it posed a serious health risk to the community.

According to him, traditional medicine must be regulated for proper restructuring, regulation and accreditation by the LSTMB to eliminate quackery in the health profession.

The Governor acknowledged the efforts and immense contributions of traditional medicine practitioners to the health sector through the provision of alternative means of treating some terminal diseases.

“To maintain the track record and enjoy government’s support and recognition, ensure you do not practice outside your scope, If you do that, you have run foul of the Law”, he said.

Disclosing that LSTMB presently has about 10,000 registered Traditional Medicine practitioners, who are functioning within the guidelines and regulations of the Board, Sanwo-Olu commended the Board for carrying out training, clinical trials and toxicology to determine the appropriate dose and measurements of medication.

Also speaking at the event, the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folashade Jaji, appreciated the resilient members of the Traditional Medicine Board for their tenacity in harnessing the development of traditional medicine for both the health and economic development of the people, applauding that their contributions to the sector.

Her words: “Traditional Medicine is the only healthcare service that is readily available, accessible and affordable; this underscores the significant contribution of traditional medicine as a major provider”.

Mrs. Jaji, who was represented by the Director, Political Affairs and Special Duties, Mrs. Olabisi Shonibare, urged practitioners to improve their practice through standardisation of their operations by keeping proper records and data collection, saying all hands must be on deck to expose fake or quack practitioners.

In her presentation, the Chairman of LSTMB, Prof. Adebukunola Adefule-Ositelu, underscored the need for collaboration between conventional and traditional medicine, saying it will go a long way to address the need for excellent medical care delivery.

Prof. Adefule-Ositelu, therefore, advocated for cooperation and mutual understanding between both conventional and traditional medicine practitioners for effectiveness and efficiency.
Earlier, Mr. Olorunkemi Kadiku, the Registrar, LSTMB, gave assurance that the Board would continue to put an enduring policy and regulatory framework in place, just as existing legislation to strengthen the traditional medicine system.

The Registrar said they would consolidate on the recently constituted research group by facilitating tailor-made models based on its priorities in the State.

“We will tap into the recent call by the State Ministry of Health for expression of interest for grants for health research and continuously revitalise our mandatory training programmes for traditional medicine practitioners to enhance their capacities”, Kadiku said.

The event’s highlight was the launch and presentation of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board’s Code of Conduct for Practitioners.