The Association of Integrative Medicine Practitioners of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to create a board of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine in the nation’s healthcare system.
The association emphasizes that this call is crucial to strengthen the nation’s healthcare sector and assist less privileged Nigerians who lack access to conventional healthcare.
Dr. Johnson Elechi, the association’s National President, disclosed this in Abuja during the third annual national conference on integrative medicine.
He urges the Federal Government, particularly the Federal Ministry of Health, to establish a board for traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine.
This initiative, according to Elechi, is essential for the success of the current healthcare delivery system, especially during the global pandemic.
Elechi emphasizes the need for the board to compile statistics on patients attending Complimentary and Alternative Health Institutions and to promote and formulate the teaching of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine nationwide.
He encourages the Federal Government to learn from countries like India, South Africa, and the United States by giving more attention to alternative and complementary medicine.
Dr. Elechi asserts, “There are many Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in the practice of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine,” and suggests seeking guidance from practitioners within the association.
On the conference theme, “Integrative Medicine: The New Global Medical Paradigm Shift,” Dr. Usman Chiroma, the National Secretary, calls for the passage of the Traditional, Complimentary, and Alternative Medicine Bill before the National Assembly.
He expresses concern over the current state of the healthcare system and emphasizes the Association’s readiness to complement the government’s efforts in sector repositioning.
Chiroma highlights the importance of the bill in changing the narrative in Nigeria’s healthcare system and bringing healthcare delivery closer to the people.**
