A bill for a law to establish the Anambra State Herbal Practice Regulations Agency and for other related matters has been read for the second time at the Anambra State House of Assembly.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
the member representing Aguata two constituency Hon. Tony Muobike who sponsored the bill while leading the debate said their is need to create a law monitoring herbal practice in Anambra.
Hon. Muobike who is the Chairman House Committee on Health, maintained that most of the herbal drugs does not specify the contents and quantities to be taken.
According to the lawmaker, those taken this drugs believe whatever the herbalist tells them which is why there should be code of conduct and regulations.
” Government needs the backing of the law in other to tackle this menace so as to be able to persecute offenders.
“The consequences of this situation is that our people are forced to pay heavily with their lives and this has also resulted to an increase in kidney failure and liver damages.
” This bill is intends to provide a legal framework to harmonize the practices of herbal medicine production, manufacturing, labeling and delivery.
” This bill is meant to give the state government a legal framework to persecute people who are practicing this nobel profession without been herbalist.
” This bill will provide a framework for our people to have a data of harbal practitioners. It also provides an avenue for research and training.
“The bill is on a mission to end quackery. It is designed to sensitize the herbal industry and their qualifications.
“Countries like India and China are doing well in medical delivery because of the regulations.
” We want to have a union of all harbal practitioners’. Hon Muobike concluded
Supporting the bill, Hon. Emma Nwafor (Orumba South), Majority Leader, Hon Ikenna Ofodeme, Deputy Minority Leader Hon. Nobel Igwe, Hon. Ejike Okechukwu (Aguata two), Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Jude Akpua, Hon. Golden Iloh (Ihiala two) and Hon. Chidiebere Ibemeka (Njikoka two) in their separate submissions maintained that where there is no law, there will be abuse.
According to the lawmakers, issues of organ failures is increasing. This bill is very important and should have been in existence.
“The agency which will be formed through this bill will define the standard of practice and will have the power to punish, investigate and discipline errand practitioner’s and quacks’.
Anambra Assembly Speaker Rt Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze referred the bill to a joint Committee on Health and that of Judiciary and Justice. He urged the communities to report back in two weeks time for consideration.
The lawmakers adjurned and to reconvene on Thursday August 15th.
