By Lekan Lisoye
The Ogun State Government has taken steps to standardise alternative medicine practices in the state, aligning them with global best practices as recommended by the World Health Organization.
This initiative includes the introduction of structured training and retraining programmes for practitioners.
This development was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, during the opening of a one-day workshop for herbal practitioners held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Dr. Coker explained that long before the advent of modern medicine, traditional medicine was widely accepted and practiced across different cultures. However, with evolving healthcare standards, there is now a need to align traditional practices with modern regulations to improve safety, effectiveness, and credibility.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Kayode Oladeinde, the Commissioner stated that the current administration is proud of alternative medicine practitioners and remains committed to supporting them with necessary facilities and capacity-building initiatives.
Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Rotimi Ogungbe, commended the practitioners for their turnout and cooperation with the government. He assured them of continued support, particularly in training and retraining programmes.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Ogun State Alternative Medicine Board, Balogun Nurudeen Olaleye, appreciated the consistent cooperation of practitioners. He emphasized that the new regulatory framework aims to eliminate quackery in the sector.
Olaleye warned that any practitioner operating without proper registration with the Board would face sanctions in accordance with the state’s laws, stressing that registration is a key component of the standardisation process.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Ayodeji Erinle, urged practitioners to take full advantage of the workshop. He encouraged them to remain attentive and apply the knowledge gained to enhance professionalism and service delivery.
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