From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Federal Government had been charged to create an agency to look into traditional, complimentary and alternative medicine.
The charge was given yesterday by the National President, Association of Alternative Medicine Practitioners of Nigeria, Johnson Elechi.
Elechi stated this at the 3rd National Conference on Integrated Medicine, entitled: ‘Integrative Medicine the New Global Medical Paradigm Shift.’
He said: “I call on the federal government of Nigeria, especially Federal Ministry of Health to create a board of traditional, complimentary and alternative medicine, if the current programme to provide better health care delivery system to Nigerians is to succeed during this period of pandemic all over the world.
“Under this plan, the board would be expected to compile statistics on how many patients who attend complimentary and Alternative health institution and also by this plan promote and formulate the teaching of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine in institutions throughout the country. our health
“This is a turning point in our health institution, any decision you make now and future may affect the entire people of Nigeria.
“I believe you would take advantage of this medium and get our help as there are so many people in our association of integrative medicine in these practice that will guide you in making Alternative and complimentary medicine to attain its undisputed place as it is practice in countries like India, South Africa, USA and Britain etc.”
He said he was happy that most Nigerians were appreciating the efficacy of traditional medicine.
“I am proud to inform you that there are many Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in the practice of complimentary and alternative Medicine, which is yielding result,” he said.