Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said traditional medicine men are more than doctors and because they are members of their communities, do not need to relocate like doctors.
He spoke during the African Traditional Medicine Day with the theme: “Two decades of African Traditional Medicine Day: ProgressTowards Achieving Universal Health Coverage’’.
The governor put registered traditional practitioners at 10,000 against 4,000 doctors.
Represented by Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi, he said they provide health and well-being.
He noted that government would empower Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB) to regulate practitioners and their products to standardise the system. He warned that the practitioners who fail to register should not be allowed to practise or risk being sanctioned.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mrs. Folashade Sherifat Jaji noted that about 80 per cent of Africa’s population depended on traditional medicine.
Mrs Jaji, who represented Director of Political and Special Services (PASS) Mrs Olabisi Shonibare, said: “Lagos State under the Health/Environment pillar of T.H.E.M.E.S agenda have continued to show commitment to delivery of effective and efficient health system for Lagosians…’’