The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged the National Assembly to review the Traditional, Complimentary and Alternative Medicine Board Bill to ensure no ambiguity in the act.

During a news conference on Sunday, the association’s national president, Uche Ojinmah, said the legislation was against the chatter signed by African countries on establishing the board for African traditional medicine.

“We wish to point out that complementary and alternative medicine is different from traditional medicine, and these are domains controlled by the dental and medical council.

“And the bill, if passed, shall conflict with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) Act.

“We, therefore, call on the government and the National Assembly to quickly amend the title and the functions contained in that bill.

“Let it be Control of African Traditional Medicine but not complementary and alternative medicine which mean a different thing,” he said

He urged the government to expedite action on the extension of doctors’ retirement age, noting that it is the easiest way to stop the brain drain in the profession.

Commenting on hazard allowances, Mr Ojinmah said the association had issued a two-month ultimatum for the government to resolve the issue.

The association also frowned at the insecurity, which negated patients’ and medical personnel’s access to health facilities in parts of the country.

He urged the government at all levels and security agencies to address the security challenges bedevilling the country. 

According to Mr Ojinmah, proactive measures are necessary to control worsening health indicators and effectively tackle the sector’s brain drain.

(NAN)