The Anambra State Government, through its Ministry of Health, organized a one-day seminar for the National Association of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practitioners (NACAMP) in Awka, the state capital. Themed ‘Registration, Renewal, Re-Certification Processes, and Practice Guidelines,’ the event attracted members of the association as well as resource experts from outside the state.
In his address, Dr. Afam Obidike, the Commissioner for Health, highlighted the Ministry’s troubling experiences with quack medical practitioners masquerading as homeopaths. He emphasized that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo is committed to protecting the lives of Ndi Anambra and will not tolerate any manipulation within the health sector.
Dr. Obidike urged the ministry to enhance its understanding of the association’s operations, including membership criteria and facility locations. He called on practitioners to collaborate with the government to improve service delivery; failing which, the ministry may
implement stricter measures to safeguard public health.
The Anambra State Director of Medical Services, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, noted that the seminar was the result of extensive efforts aimed at enhancing regulatory frameworks for complementary and alternative medicine practitioners. He reiterated the necessity of regulating their activities to prevent past incidents involving unauthorized practitioners claiming to be homeopaths, stressing that any loss of life is irreversible. ‘Complementary and alternative medicine is here to stay,’ Dr. Chukwulobelu stated, ‘and it plays a crucial role in restoring health and saving lives in Anambra.’
Dr. Fidelis Okeke from the Nigeria Institute of Homeopathy in Enugu delivered a lecture titled ‘Potentiation and Pharmacy in Homeopathy.’ He noted that the National University Commission has mandated all Nigerian universities to introduce courses in complementary and alternative medicines, similar to programs in countries like Japan, the USA, China, India, and Pakistan.
He further lamented that lack of government support remains one of their greatest challenges.
Dr. Ifeanyi Godwin from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology College of Medicine also presented a lecture on ‘Basic Principles and Philosophy in Homeopathy.’
The seminar concluded with a robust question-and-answer session, featuring participation from various stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary of the Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo.
The event underscored the importance of regulating complementary and alternative medicine practices to ensure quality healthcare delivery in Anambra State.
Source: Voice of Nigeria