The Nigerian Medical Association has commended the state government for arresting and prosecuting ten unlicensed traditional medicine practitioners, describing the action as necessary for public safety statewide.
The association’s branch in Calabar made the commendation on Monday in a statement signed by its chairman, Ezoke Epoke, who hailed Governor Bassey Otu’s administration for decisive steps against unsafe medical practices statewide.
Mr Epoke recalled that the association had earlier petitioned the government over unlicensed traditional medicine practitioners operating openly at a trade fair within Calabar Municipality, raising concerns about public exposure and safety.
According to him, the vendors offered medical treatments and sold unapproved herbal products to unsuspecting members of the public.
The action, he said, demonstrated government commitment to safeguarding public health across the state.
He warned that unlicensed practitioners posed health risks through contaminated, adulterated and unregulated products, many of which were not approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
He also expressed concern over false medical claims and impersonation of health professionals, commending the health commissioner, police, and anti-quackery task force, while urging sustained regulation of traditional medicine statewide.
The statement added that the arrested practitioners, nine males and one female, were remanded at Aforkang Correctional Centre pending fulfilment of their bail conditions as ordered by the court accordingly thereafter.