The arrest of unlicensed traditional medicine practitioners in Calabar has been hailed by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Cross River State branch, as a decisive step against medical quackery.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued on Monday and signed by the association’s chairman, Ezoke Epoke, who praised the administration of Governor Bassey Otu for taking firm action against unsafe and illegal medical practices across the state.
Epoke recalled that the association had earlier petitioned the state government over the activities of unlicensed traditional medicine vendors who were openly operating at a trade fair within Calabar Municipality, exposing members of the public to serious health risks.
According to him, the vendors offered medical treatments and sold unapproved herbal products to unsuspecting members of the public.
He noted that the arrests demonstrated the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and enforcing regulatory standards within the health sector.
The NMA chairman warned that unlicensed practitioners pose grave dangers through the use of contaminated, adulterated, and unregulated products, many of which are not approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
He also expressed concern over false medical claims and the impersonation of qualified health professionals, commending the state Commissioner for Health, the Nigeria Police, and the Anti-Quackery Task Force for their collaborative efforts.
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