Govt warns alternative medical practitioners against carrying out surgery

Onah also warned alternative medical practitioners not to advertise their services in print or electronic media.

The Enugu State Government has cautioned alternative medical practitioners against carrying out surgery in their medical facilities. The state’s Director of Medical Services, Dr Emma Onah, gave the warning when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu Friday. “Except if the ministry is proved wrong here, the practice of alternative medicine usually employ remedies to treat illness and it is noted that surgery is usually not a component part of either homeopathy, acupuncture etc. “So, we sincerely believe that no alternative medical practitioner will get him or herself involve or be allowed in any form of surgical practice,’’ Onah said. He, however, noted that any alternative medical practitioner, who believe he or she have the qualification to do surgery, should present such to the Ministry of Health and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for vetting. “Those caught or reported involving in any surgical practice without qualification vetted will be prosecuted by the state,’’ he said. Onah also warned that whether registered or not, complementary and alternative medical practitioners should not indulge in advertising their services in print or electronic media. “Since it concerns life, there should be no compromise and the ministry will ensure this and wield the big stick against any offender caught to serve as a deterrent to others. “We have spread our tentacles even to rural and remote communities to enforce this standard,’’ he added. He noted that these warning was meant to instill standards among medical practitioners.