10 Traditional Medicine Practitioners Arrested Over Alleged Illicit Activities

In Cross River State, at least 10 unlicensed traditional medicine practitioners have been apprehended and brought before the court following a petition from the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) regarding suspected illicit practices in Calabar, the state capital.

The NMA’s Cross River branch had previously reached out to key officials, including Governor Bassey Otu, Commissioner of Health Dr. Egbe Ayuk, and Commissioner of Police Rasheed Afegbua, to express concerns about unauthorized groups conducting traditional medical trade fairs at the headquarters of the Calabar Municipality Council.

The NMA highlighted the potential dangers posed by these practitioners, emphasizing that their activities could lead to significant health risks for unsuspecting and vulnerable populations.

These individuals often promote and sell uncertified products lacking NAFDAC approvals, which can exacerbate health challenges in the community. In their petition, the NMA pointed out that the unverified claims made by these practitioners regarding their products pose a serious threat to public health.

In a statement on Monday in Calabar, signed by the state Chairman and Secretary of the branch, Dr Ezoke Epoke and Dr Akanimo Ekeruke respectively, lauded Governor Bassey Otu for his swift action in attending to the matter, describing it as “proactive step and commitment to safeguarding the health
and the well-being of residents.”

The statement read, “The Nigerian Medical Association, Cross River State Branch, sincerely thank His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, and the entire State Government for their decisive action against unlicensed traditional medicine vendors operating illegally in the state.

“We commend the enforcement efforts that resulted in the arrest and prosecution of these about 10 unlicensed traditional medicine vendors, showing the government’s proactive step and commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of residents in Cross River State”, the statement noted.

They noted that the proactive efforts of the Cross River State government and other agencies align with NMA mutual goals of ensuring quality healthcare for everyone, highlighting the importance of regulation in healthcare.

While acknowledging the dangers posed by unlicensed medical practitioners, NMA reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding public health and promoting safe and effective medical practices in the state.