Traditional medicine practitioners seek Gombe govt’s support to standardise practice
Some traditional medicine practitioners in Gombe State have appealed for government’s support to standardise the practice of alternative medicine, in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) regulations.
They made the appeal in separate interviews in Gombe on Monday.
They said alternative medicine remained a major source of treatment for different kinds of sicknesses for a long time, which could not be ignored as some residents still patronised such medicines.
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They explained that traditional medicines helped in healthcare delivery in the state and in the country, hence the need for its integration into the healthcare system to improve residents’ health.
Malam Salisu Musa, the Chairman, Gombe Local Government Traditional Medicine Practitioners, said that with the support of the government, more sick persons would be reached with affordable healthcare.
Musa added that the government support would enable practitioners to standardise and acquaint themselves with modern technology that would enhance their profession in tandem with the WHO standard.
He said with the high cost of drugs, there is need for government to leverage alternative drugs to augment existing drugs for the treatment of various illnesses.
According to him, practitioners need guidance, training and empowerment to support healthcare, and reduce pressure on health facilities and medical officers.
He commended Gov. Inuwa Yahaya for renovating and constructing modern facilities to cater for the health needs of residents.
Malam Abubakar Sabo, a traditional medicine practitioner in Gombe old market, who said he had been in the trade for over 40 years, said the support had become imperative.
Sabo said that residents patronise alternative medicine on daily basis, “and if given the needed support, it will go a long way in providing affordable and potent medicines to the populace.”
He said it was important for the state government to partner them to enhance healthcare delivery in the state, “just as it is being done in India, China.”
He said many practitioners are afraid of attending to their customers because they may be arrested by government for treating certain illnesses “as we have not been officially recognised.”
He pointed out that with the right training, government could help them to get herbs that are included in tablets and injections.
He explained that harnessing the potential in herbal medicines could create employment for youths.
“In the defunct Bauchi State which included Gombe, my father was engaged by doctors and medical practitioners who gave us training on dosage and prescriptions.
“My father’s herbs were converted into injection and even tablets, with the help of some medical officers in the defunct Bauchi State,” he said.
Also, Ishaq Mohammed, another herbal drugs dealer at Gombe old market, said traditional medicine is an area that government at all levels can leverage on to achieve universal health coverage, as well as earn good income through export.
