No fewer than 10 unlicensed traditional medicine practitioners have been arrested and charged to court in Cross River State following a formal petition by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) over alleged illegal activities in Calabar, the state capital.
The arrests followed an alarm raised by the Cross River State branch of the NMA over the operation of traditional medicine trade fairs at the headquarters of the Calabar Municipal Council without approval from relevant authorities.
The association had earlier written to Governor Bassey Otu, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Egbe Ayuk, and the Commissioner of Police, Rasheed Afegbua, warning that the activities of the practitioners posed serious health risks to residents.
In its petition, the NMA said the practitioners allegedly convinced unsuspecting and vulnerable members of the public to buy and use uncertified products that had no approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
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It further noted that the operators made unverified medical claims, warning that their activities could worsen health challenges in the state.
In a statement issued on Monday in Calabar and signed by the state Chairman, Dr Ezoke Epoke, and the Secretary, Dr Akanimo Ekeruke, the NMA commended Governor Otu for what it described as a swift and proactive response to the petition.
“The Nigerian Medical Association, Cross River State Branch, sincerely thanks His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, and the entire state government for their decisive action against unlicensed traditional medicine vendors operating illegally in the state,” the statement said.
The association praised the enforcement actions that led to the arrest and prosecution of about 10 practitioners.
It described the move as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of residents.
The NMA said the action aligns with its goal of ensuring quality healthcare for all and stressed the importance of proper regulation in the health sector.
It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and promoting safe and effective medical practices across Cross River State.
