No fewer than 10 unlicensed traditional medicine practitioners have been arrested and charged in court in Cross River State following a petition by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) over alleged illicit activities in Calabar, the state capital.
It stated that the decision to arrest the 10 practitioners was taken to protect the residents from being treated by unlicensed traditional medical practitioners.
It could be recalled that NMA Cross River state branch had earlier written to Governor Bassey Otu, as well as the state Commissioner of Health, Dr Egbe Ayuk, and the Commissioner of Police, Rasheed Afegbua, over the illegal operation of a group holding traditional medical trade fairs at the Headquarters of the Calabar Municipality Council.
NMA raised the alarm, noting that their activities can lead to more health challenges for unsuspecting and vulnerable populations of the state, who these quacks convince to buy and use their uncertified products without NAFDAC approvals.
According to NMA in that Petition, “their activities pose a greater health risk to the population of the state because they market unverified claims that their products cannot make.”
In a statement on Monday in Calabar, signed by the state Chairman and Secretary of the branch, Dr Ezoke Epoke and Dr Akanimo Ekeruke lauded Governor Bassey Otu for his swift action in attending to the matter, describing it as “a proactive step commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of residents.”
The statement read, “The Nigerian Medical Association, Cross River State Branch, sincerely thanks His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, and the entire State Government for their decisive action against unlicensed traditional medicine vendors operating illegally in the State.
We commend the enforcement efforts that resulted in the arrest and prosecution of these about 10 unlicensed traditional medicine vendors, showing the government’s proactive step and commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of residents in Cross River State”, the statement stated.
They noted that the proactive efforts of the Cross River State government and other agencies align with NMA mutual goals of ensuring quality healthcare for everyone, highlighting the importance of regulation in healthcare.
While acknowledging the dangers posed by unlicensed medical practitioners, NMA reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding public health and promoting safe and effective medical practices in the state.
