The Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board has begin sealing of unauthorized traditional birth attendants premises and maternity homes, as part of effort to sanitise the traditional medicine practice across the state.
The exercise was carried out in Ebute-Metta, Dopemu and Agege environs in collaboration with the
Some of the affected centres during the exercise carried out in collaboration with the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) were Tunpinse Traditional Birth Centre at Willoughby street, Ebute-Metta and Mercy Clinic and Maternity home at Ogunaike street, off Adealu, Dopemu, Agege, Lagos.
The board’s Registrar, Babatunde Adele, who spoke with journalists on Tuesday during the exercise, explained that it was long overdue following the deadline earlier given to the practitioners to regularize their practice with the state government.
Adele maintained that the practitioners whose premises were sealed up had been operating their facilities without recourse to standard procedure and necessary approval and license to practice, as such would be made to face the disciplinary Committee of the Board as laid down in the Health Sector Reform Law (HSRL) 2006.
According to Adele, “all traditional herbal homes and birth centres affected would serve as deterrent to others who indulge in unwholesome practice despite warnings. it should be clearly stated that all practices relating to traditional medicine, birth attendants, healing homes and birth centres have to be done within the ambience of the law of the state and as recommended by part 9 of the HSRL 2006”.
