Traditional medicine practitioners holds workshop in Awka
The National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners has called on the government to give its members the needed support to carry out their functions optimally like medical doctors in hospitals, while advising Nigerians not to see their work as diabolical.
The association made the call during a one -day workshop organised in Awka, Anambra state recently.
Traditional medicine practitioners use herbs, plants and other natural condiments in curing various health issues and affliction which some still see as diabolical and without specified dosage which are some of the things, the South East chapter of the association sought to address at the Awka meeting.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the state Governor on Indigenous Medicine and Herbal Practice, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, reiterated the commitment of the state government to encouraging traditional medicine practitioners, resulting in the development of a four -year strategic plan by the state government.
He called on practitioners to key into the plan while remaining formidable as an association to achieve better results.
National Vice President of the association in the South East geo-political zone, Chief Okwudili Umezude, said though a lot of misconception exists about traditional medicine practitioners, but since it came together as an association, a lot of positive grounds have been broken and results achieved.
He stated that the organization will keep waxing stronger, especially with its planned state and local government election to elect officials for the association and pleaded with state government for its support.
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In separate remarks, the former Auditor General of the association, Chief Eugene Elili and a traditional medicine practitioner, Mrs. Winifred Arinze, requested for a garden and a research centre to be provided for the association by state government, which will go a long way in encouraging them to work hand in hand with conventional medical practitioners.
They expressed happiness that the association has helped practitioners share knowledge and ideas for improved traditional medicine practice, commending the government of Governor Willie Obiano for being in the forefront of giving traditional medicine practitioners a sense of belonging.
