LEMU calls for regulation of alternative medicine practice to eradicate quackery

Concerned over the increased demand for alternative medicine in the country, owing to the high cost of drugs and treatment in both public and private hospitals, LEKKI Muslim Ummah (LEMU), has called for proper regulation of alternative medical care to prevent the proliferation of quacks, as many Nigerians seek cure from alternative medicine professionals.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 80 percent of the population, of African and ancient countries, use alternative medicine because of a lack of money and access to orthodox medical care.

To ensure proper regulation of alternative medical practices, LEMU brought medical professionals, experienced prophetic medical practitioners and stakeholders in the alternative medicine industry to ensure proper practice of prophetic medicine in Nigeria.

Speaking during the conference, the Registrar of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB), Mr Babatunde Adele, represented by Mrs. Aisha Adams, said the board was ready to assist in the regulation of prophetic medicine, advocating that it should be classified as traditional medicine (Islamic traditional medicine).

He said: “The LSTMB is open to engaging in fruitful discussions, sharing insights, and working collaboratively towards developing a comprehensive regulatory framework that upholds the principles of prophetic medicine while adhering to established guidelines.”

Adams said there’s a written Code of Conduct for traditional medical practice in Lagos. Prophetic medicine practitioners can also adopt this Code of Conduct in their work regulations. She said that traditional practitioners could specialise in different specialities, adding, “Some are skin healers, some are bonesetters and we monitor them. Those who obtain a license from our Board and are competent in their practices, we are proud of them and can defend them against other regulatory agencies such as Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA under the Lagos State Ministry of Health.”

“If we don’t come together and organise conferences like this, those who are quacks can mess up the practice of prophetic medicine for us. The Christians formed a different association (FACOBAN) for their Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) under a faith-based association. Although, when they come to the Board, we still classify them as TBA.” She added.

The Provost of the International Institute of Islamic Therapy (IIIT), Abuja, Dr. Abdur Rauf Ibn Sa’eed disclosed that there is a difference between Prophetic and traditional healing, adding that what many people practice as Prophetic Medicine in Nigeria is largely traditional medicine.

“Many people don’t know the difference between traditional healing and prophetic medicine. In Nigeria today, you will see people doing ruqyah (exorcism) and mixing it with the Yoruba herbs and beliefs to diagnose their patients who are afflicted by extra-terrestrial forces. This is alien to Islam.”

“When someone practises traditional medicine, Indian Ayurveda, Chinese medicine and calls that prophetic medicine, then that’s a big problem. This is becoming a norm and there is a need to eradicate quackery from prophetic medical practices in Nigeria. Relevant government agencies must work together with the practitioners to put an end to it,” he noted.

A Certified and licensed naturopathic doctor trained in the UK, Dr. Lateefah Adebola Adeyemi, advocated the need for speciality in prophetic medical practice.

She said “There is a lack of clear-cut specialty in prophetic medicine like we have in orthodox medicine. There is a productive value chain in prophetic medical practice. Some are in production, some do imports of herbs and some consultations. When it comes to treatment, we make a treatment plan and make a referral, when necessary, but no clear-cut speciality like in orthodox medicine”.