The Kogi state government has assured the Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners its readiness to revamp the traditional health sectors into a benefiting revenue generators.
The Kogi state government who was aptly represented by the Honourable SSA on ICT, Alhaji Umar Ismaila gave the assurance while gracing the First ever summit held by Hazkhash Consultancy Nigeria Limited.
Present at the occasion were, Hon. Commissioner of health, Hon. Saka Audu, Represented by Pharm. Dr. Ariko, National president of Traditional Medicine Practitioners, Dr. Maikudi, the Chairman Kogi state chapter of the association, also the Former SSA to the Governor, On traditional and Alternative Medicine, Hon. Mustapha Onoruoiza
In a bid to give needed recognitions to the traditional medicine in the state, under the supervision of Hon. Commissioner of health, Dr. Saka Audu to complement and Uphold the national approval of traditional medicine, by bringing the practices of traditional medicine into proper and advantageous usage, particularly to enhance the generation of revenue in the state.
Speaking further, The Consultancy Chief director, Alh. Isa Shaibu express his readiness to work perfectly to meet the demands of the state government, and the people under the umbrella of Traditional Medicine Practitioners, he noted that, the traditional medicine Practitioners would further more serve as link which the State government will use in reaching all members through enrollment of data capturing.
Shaibu also decried the absolute neglection of The traditional medicine by the previous Adminstration, Appreciating Gov. Bello for his Vision for the Traditional Medicine for the well-being of the people of the state, urging members of the association to throw in their weight of support, stating the benefits and recognitions that await them.
While assuring members on the issuance of licence to traditional Practitioners, he sounded a note of warning to all members be aware of imposters under the guise of Kogi state government to extort them.
The HOD Direct Assessment to Kogi internal revenue services, Obaloko Thomas stressed on the importance of Tax and licence to all Traditional Medicine Practitioners to authenticate the legitimate members to avoid impersonation.
He however implore the people to give their maximum cooperation as this new development will position the Traditional Medicine into the acme of excellence.
The National president of Traditional Medicine Practitioners, Alhaji. Mekudi thanked the State government for this wonderful opportunity, noting that it is first of its kind the the history, promising the government of his people’s acceptance to the will of the government to aid them in any form as they will deliver the with much expected capabilities.
Kogi State Government through its ministry of health has sought the cooperation of the Traditional Medicine Association to forge a united front to monitor traditional medicine practice in the State towards halting spurious and dangerous activities of unregistered practitioners, especially in the rural areas.
Hon. Ismaila Umar Speaking during a sensitization workshop with participants drawn from 21 LGAs in the State, said the partnership was necessary to reach traditional medicine practitioners who operate within urban areas in the State, in addition to those practising in the residential areas.
He maintained that the state needs to carry out its monitoring functions holistically and, therefore, will explore the areas of comparative advantage with other relevant government agencies that are key to the realisation of its objectives.
He warned that, anyone who is indulging in sharp practices will be dealt with severely.
The event held at the helltop hotel, along Okene-Kabba road by Ganaja junction, Lokoja Kogi State.
