The Lagos State Government has declared its intention to enforce penalties on traditional medical practitioners operating within the state if they do not register their facilities with the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB).

The Registrar of LSTMB, Babatunde Adele, conveyed this announcement in a statement issued on Sunday.The directive encompasses all practitioners of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine, mandating them to formalize their practices and enroll with the Board by the conclusion of September 2023.

Registration mandate extends to other practitioners

This registration mandate also extends to individuals engaged in the production, importation, distribution, and sale of products related to traditional healthcare.

Adele conveyed that the agency has observed a disturbing disregard for the prevailing regulations governing traditional medicine practices within the state, particularly among unauthorized operators who are undermining the credibility of traditional medicine.

To address these concerns, Adele disclosed that the agency has finalized preparations to activate its Inspectorate Unit in accordance with Part Nine of the Health Sector Reform Law 2006.

This move aims to curb any excesses prevalent among practitioners.Adele highlighted that the National Council on Health had previously endorsed the establishment of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine Departments/Boards in each of the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory.

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This initiative was designed to bolster the coordination, regulation, and oversight of practices and products related to traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine across the country.

In advising traditional medicine practitioners, Adele urged them to visit the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board’s headquarters to formalize their operations and notify the state government of their existence.

He cautioned that non-compliance with this directive might lead to appropriate penalties, potentially including the closure of non-compliant premises.