The National Complementary and Alternative Medical Association (NACAMA) has called on the Federal Government to establish a Ministry of Reconciliation to tackle internal conflicts and restiveness in the country.
The National President of NACAMA, Prof. Peter Katchy, made the call whie speaking at the opening of the Annual General Meeting/Conference of the association in Onitsha on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the conference is “Consolidating CAM Practice in Nigeria”.
Katchy said the call was sequel to the cases of herdsmen/farmers conflicts, youth restiveness, hate speeches and religious intolerance that had troubled most part of the country recently.
“It has become pertinent to call on the federal and state governments to embark on the reconciliation of Nigerians to keep the country united and secure.
“The establishment of such ministry with sufficient budgetary provisions will be a first step to enthrone peace and unite the people to secure the future of the country.
“The ministry will cause peace and national cohesion, which is better than tough talks and military deployments,” he said.
He said deliberate efforts by governments should also be made to provide skills training and empowerment for youths to mitigate the increasing rate of unemployment.
Meanwhile, Katchy, who is also the state chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, said that alternative medicine had become imperative in the realisation of improved, available and effective healthcare delivery system.
“A lot of successes have been achieved through complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of cancers, renal calculi, hemorrhoid, ocular and eye affections, leg ulcers, teeth/gum infections, bone and bone marrow diseases.
“They also include epilepsy, locomotor antaxia, nervous agitations and nervous diseases among others.
“These successes were achieved without surgical applications,” he said.
Katchy urged members to sustain focus on capacity building in medical innovations, researches, drug proving and newer approaches for accelerated management of medical matters.
Earlier, the Secretary, Board of Registered Trustees, NACAMA, Dr Ayodele Akindipe, commended the members of the association for the feat achieved so far.
Akindipe urged members to maintain ethical standards, ensure welfare of members, compassionate service, integrity and decorum as well as professionalism and excellence in the discharge of their duties.
NAN reports that the event also witnessed the presentation of awards of Pillar of the Association to five persons, including Dr Emmanuel Onah, the Director of Medical Services, Enugu.
Other recipients are Dr Umede Idris, the Chairman of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Dr Ayodele Akindipe, Mr Augustina Ekweozor, a lawyer, and Dr Henry Okafor, a businessman.
