NMA Urges For Review Of TCAM Bill
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) is urging the National Assembly to review the Traditional, Complimentary, and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) Board Bill to ensure that there is no ambiguity in the act.
During a news conference on Sunday, the association’s national president, Uche Ojinmah, said the legislation was against the charter that was 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.
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“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.”
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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 plaguing the country.
According to the NMA President, proactive measures are necessary to control worsening health indicators and effectively tackle the health sector’s brain drain.
