A bill for Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) has passed second reading in the Plateau House of Assembly.
The House presided over by the Speaker, Mr Abok Ayuba, committed the bill to House Committee on Health for further legislative process.
Mr Nanbol Daniel, representing Langtang North Central in the Assembly, while presenting the bill, said that the bill if signed into law would enhance coordination, regulation and control of TCAM practice and its products in Plateau.
Daniel, who is one of the sponsors of the bill, said that traditional medicine had been part of health culture many centuries ago.
“It is an important and often underestimated health resource with many applications, especially in the prevention and management of lifestyle-related chronic diseases, and in meeting the health needs of ageing population.
“This TCAM bill will provide a platform that will incorporate our rich health culture into the existing health sector as practiced in other countries.
“It will be done with the aim to expand coverage of essential health services that will go a long way in addressing consumers’ (patients) needs bearing in mind the rise in cost of health commodities,” he said.
According to Daniel, who is the House Committee Chairman on Health, TCAM bill was in line with Traditional Medicine Policy of Nigeria, 2007.
The chairman added that the bill was in line with World Health Organisation’s Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 2012.
The lawmaker stressed that it was also in agreement with World Health Organisation’s Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023 and National Council on Health Resolution, 2019.
“The bill will offer a well-functioning, people-centered health system that balances curative services with preventive care.
“It will also provide safe, qualified and effective services and appropriate integration into health systems as we work toward achieving Universal Health Coverage and Health Related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said.
Daniel further stated that the bill would reduce or eradicate the exposure of Plateau people to potential hazards from the concurrent use of traditional and conventional medicines.
He stated that such would be achieved through sensitisation and awareness campaigns by the proposed Board. Daniel further said that the bill would promote research, development and production of standard, safety, effective, efficient and quality traditional medicine.
Mr Yahaya Adamu Mavo, Mr Timothy Dantong and Mr Amurudu Usaini are the other sponsors of the bill.
