Experts urge government to consider alternative medicine in COVID-19 management

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The Nigerian Association of Physicians of Natural Medicine have urged governments at all levels to explore alternative medicine in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic instead of paying lip service to the spread. 
The Vice-President, NAPNM, Prof. Cyril Omisande, made the call in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday, saying poor approach was employed by the government in the management of virus. 
He said the outbreak of the virus made the call for synergy between orthodox and alternative medicine relevant.  
He said, “It is shocking that while countries like United Kingdom, South Africa, India, China, Ghana and Zambia are widening the gap of opportunities that are available in medicine by accessing alternative methods of treatment and cure, Nigeria is pretending to be adamant. 
“No fewer than 70per cent of  Nigerians use herbs and roots to cure themselves than they access orthodox medicine. Some of our elitists stay at home to take treatment using herbal medicine and preparations. Except late Prof. Olikoye Ransom-Kuti, former Minister of Health, no other health minister considered alternative medicine. While our government think that we don’t need it, other countries are developing this important sector at a fast pace. 
“We are imploring governments at all levels to consider the clinical trials of our products for COVID-19. We are missing a lot by turning the other way. Homeopathic and alternative remedies are potent and good for health. On the other hand, it has tremendous economic benefits for the nation. Imagine the rate at which people were engaging in medical tourism to India and China before the lockdown occasioned by Coronavirus. Many of them sought homeopathic remedies abroad. Why can’t we domesticate it to enlarge the hope of our people?”
The Registrar, NAPNM, Dr Adedamola Bank-Kadejo, urged the government not to close its eyes to the option provided by alternative medicine practitioners in the country while considering the usage of the Madagascar preparation. 
The registrar said, “Like the Madagascar portion, our products can also be subjected to clinical trial for the treatment of the virus. The bureaucratic nature of government has made it difficult for us in Nigeria.” 
A senior member of the association, Prof. Idowu Ogunkoya, said, “My advice to the government is that they should be serious about their readiness to involve the alternative medicine practitioners rather than politicising everything.”