By Ifeoma Anokwuru
Imo state government has said it is planning to partner with the National Association Traditional Medicine Practioners to identify and end quacks in traditional medicine practice.
Imo State Commissioner Of Health, Prof Emeka Ubaka , disclosed this during the inauguration of executives of NANTMP across the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo state.
Prof Ubaka , who was represented by the permanent secretary , Imo State ministry of Health, Dr. Okeji A.C , frowned on the increase number of illicit drugs emanating from quacks Practioners .
He called on the umbrella body of traditional medicine practitioners to ensure proper screening for intending practitioners in all parts of the state, the health commissioner tasked all those operating without license to come out fully for screening and proper identification.
Prof Ubaka explained that there is nothing wrong with traditional medicine practice, adding that those in the sector should adhere strictly to standard and acceptable code of conduct and sincerity of purpose.
According to the health commissioner, “orthodox medicine practice originated and derived its root from traditional medicine practice”.
He Commended the Southeast zonal and Imo state leadership of NANTMP for duly and lawfully drawing up programmes for the day’s inauguration of the association’s local government area functionaries, the health commissioner observed that the exercise was in line with Imo state government’s plans and programme of making quality healthcare service accessible for the people.
Commissioner Ubaka charged the NANTMP LGA officers not to function outside the laws and regulations guiding the association and assured that the state government would continue to provide the enabling environment for the advancement of traditional medicine practice in the state.
In a goodwill message by the Director representing Southeast in the national board for traditional medicine practice, Chief Linus Unanka, applauded Imo leadership of NANTMP led by , Hon Chief John Amarachukwu Nwaike as for impressive achievements so far.
Chief Unanka described the inauguration of local government area functionaries of Imo state chapter of the association as a bold and right step in the right direction.
The board of trustees member charged the newly inaugurated LGA officers to show high level discipline and adherence to the rule of law while serving in their various areas of coverage.
In his welcome address, the state Chairman of NANTMP, Hon Chief John Nwaike thanked Imo state government led by governor Hope Uzodinma for according due recognition to traditional medicine practice and encouraging NANTMP to bring all practitioners in the state under one umbrella.
Chief John Nwaike expressed gratitude and appreciation to Governor Hope Uzodimma who according to him, has since assumption of office in the year, 2020 as Imo state chief executive, continued to encourage the growth of both orthodox and traditional practice in the state.
Appreciating further, the Hope Uzodimma 3-R mantra administration for encouraging traditional medicine practitioners to excell in their chosen field of endeavour, the state chairman of NANTMP charged all practitioners to come forward for proper identification.
The NANTMP chairman, warned fake practitioners in the field to quit in their own interest, Chief Nwaike posited that after due consultations with government, the state leadership of NANTMP would without delays, constitute a taskforce to fish out and hand over to law enforcement agencies, all those operating unlawfully as traditional medicine practitioners in the state.
He therefore, cautioned every practitioner in the state to promptly, visit NANTMP state secretariat along Owerri-Egbu road beside ShopRite Super market for screening and proper identification.
Also, the Imo state chapter chairman of NANTMP has urged newly inaugurated LGA officers to always be in touch with state and zonal functionaries of the association to enable them flow with the activities Of NANTMP at the state secretariat.
The event featured issuance of certificates of honour to some deserving personalities who distinguished themselves in various areas of service to the society as well as certificates of return to the newly inaugurated LGA officers.
