Edo State Government through the Edo State Traditional Medicine Board (TMB) in collaboration with the Ifesowapo Trado-Medical Herbal Practitioners (Agbo Sellers Association), has intensified efforts to rid the State of fake herbal products and unwholesome traditional medicine practices as part of commitment towards safeguarding the health of residents in the State.
Making this disclosure during a meeting with members of the Ifesowapo Trado-Medical Practitioners in Benin City, the Chairman of the Traditional Medicine Board, High Chief (TDr.) Abudu Ugbesia Godwin JP, admonished herbal medicine practitioners and sellers to focus strictly on their areas of specialization and avoid dabbling into areas where they had no training or expertise, adding that, the Board aimed to set up a task force which would tackle the menace of fake medicinal drinks and unregistered herbal products in the State.
The Chairman charged members of the Association to expose sellers of fake or unregistered herbal products, particularly those mixing hard drugs with herbal preparations, warning that such practices endanger lives and tarnish the image of genuine practitioners in the State. He further urged the group to conduct researches in order to ensure that their products are safe for consumption, while revealing that the State Government had been working closely with the Police to check the activities of quacks and unlicensed practitioners.
The President of the Association, Chief (TDr.) Mustapha Abere who assured the Board of their full cooperation, stated that invitations would be sent to unlicensed practitioners to regularize their operations, while warning that anyone who failed to comply would face sanctions.
Chief (TDr.) Mustapha Abere who appreciated Edo State Government under the leadership of Sen. Monday Okpebholo for creating an enabling environment for Traditional Medicine Practitioners to operate freely, commended the Chairman of the Board for his dedication to sanitizing the Sector and for his commitment to the well-being and development of the State by identifying and removing those involved in the sale of fake and illegal herbal drugs.
Eghosa Emily
Public Relations Officer
Edo State Traditional Medicine Board
PHOTO CAPTION
A cross section of principals of the Edo State Traditional Medicine Board (TMB) and the Ifesowapo Trado-Medical Herbal Practitioners during an engagement at the premises of The Traditional Medicine Board in Benin City.
