Health - The Federal Government has revealed plans to intensify collaboration with the National Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NATMP) in the country to help improve on drug manufacturing in the country as well as boost the market for production of alternative medicines.

The National President of NATMP, Chief (Prof) T. Omon Oleabhiele disclosed this when the association's executive paid a courtesy call on the director-general, Nigerian Institute of Pharmaceutical Research (NIPRD) to seek closer ties and boost traditional medicine in the country.

Oleabhiele told newsmen that the plan to collaborate with NIPRD is a welcome development as it would help them ensure the efficacy of their drugs and facilitate its registration with NAFDAC thereby allowing them free access to the market.

Responding, the director-general of NIPRD, Prof Karmanius Gamaniel, said many of the traditional practitioners have been bringing their products while the institute has been facilitating their registration with the National Agency for Food and Drug, Administration Control (NAFDAC), adding that this year, the number has increased compared to last year.

The National Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners is the supreme body of traditional medical practice in Nigeria.

Ruby Leo

Daily Trust/08/08/2011