Anambra State government is taking steps to flush out quacks among alternative medicine practitioners in the state.

At a workshop for members of National Complementary and Alternative Medical Association (NACAMA) in Awka, the state Director of Medical Services, Dr. Azubuike Nweje, said the Ministry of Health had listed hospitals practicing alternative medicine, regretting that there were still some quacks masquerading as alternative medical practitioners in the state.

Nweje said that it is compulsory for all the alternative medical practitioners in the state to come to the Ministry of Health to be listed adding that it is also necessary that all practitioners must belong to the National Association of Alternative Medical Practitioners.

The Director stressed that the listing will help to know the practitioners and create room for control by both the association and the Ministry of Health.

“Let it also be categorically stated that the listing certificate issued by the Ministry is only aimed at noting all the alternative medical practitioners and the fact that registration and certification can only be done by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

“Just like the orthodox medicine, which is controlled by the MDCN, alternative medical practitioners are not allowed to advertise in any form, be it electronic or print media. It is therefore regrettable that some alternative medical practitioners are engaged in all forms of self-advertising, which will no longer be tolerated because those involved in it after obtaining their certificate, will have their certificate withdrawn,” Nweje warned.

He further emphasised that surgery was never part of alternative medicine, advising those who felt they had qualification to do surgery to present such to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for vetting. He also warned that any alternative medical practitioner involved in any surgical practice would be prosecuted by the state government.

On his part, the National President of NACAMA, Professor Peter Katchy, described alternative medicine as a system of medicine with pharmaceutical procedure, distinct pharmacopeia and empirical values with code of conduct and code of ethics adding that alternative medicine was not traditional or native medicine.

“I hereby strictly warn that misrepresentation and inappropriate medical jingles and illegal advertisement of alternative medicine in the mass media should stop forthwith as any further criminal misrepresentation and deception will result in prosecution and sealing off of such illegal outfits,” Katchy declared.

While noting that alternative medical practitioners operate effectively in rapid response to health emergencies, he called for cooperation between NACAMA and the state government in combating communicable diseases.

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