Some traditional medicine practitioners in Gombe State have appealed for the government’s support to standardise the alternative medicine practice in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) regulations.

They appealed in separate interviews with journalists on Monday, saying alternative medicine remained a major source of treatment for different illnesses.

Salisu Musa, the chairman of Gombe Local Government Traditional Medicine Practitioners, said that more sick persons would be reached with affordable healthcare through the government’s support.

Mr Musa added that government support would enable practitioners to standardise and acquaint themselves with modern technology to enhance their profession in tandem with the WHO standard.

He said that with the high cost of drugs, there is a need for the government to leverage alternative drugs to augment existing drugs for the treatment of various illnesses.

According to him, practitioners need guidance, training and empowerment to support healthcare and reduce pressure on health facilities and medical officers.

He commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for renovating and constructing modern facilities to cater to the health needs of residents.

Abubakar Sabo, a traditional medicine practitioner in Gombe Old Market, who said he had been in the trade for over 40 years, said the support had become imperative.

Mr Sabo said residents patronise alternative medicine daily, “and if given the needed support, it will go a long way in providing affordable and potent medicines to the populace.”

He said it was important for the state government to partner with them to enhance healthcare delivery, “just as it is being done in India and China.”

Mr Sabo said many practitioners are afraid of attending to their customers because the government may arrest them for treating certain illnesses “as we have not been officially recognised.”

He pointed out that with the proper training, the government could help them get herbs in tablets and injections.

“In the defunct Bauchi State, which included Gombe, my father was engaged by doctors and medical practitioners who gave us training on dosage and prescriptions.

“My father’s herbs were converted into injections and even tablets with the help of some medical officers in the defunct Bauchi State,” he recalled.

Also, Ishaq Mohammed, another herbal drug dealer at Gombe Old Market, said traditional medicine is an area that the government at all levels can leverage to achieve universal health coverage as well as earn a good income through export.

(NAN)