The Anambra state government said it has identified six herbal drugs that could be used to manage coronavirus in the state.
The Special Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano, on indigenous Medicine and Herbal Practice, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, said on Tuesday that the products have been forwarded to the national Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
He said that a team of medical experts was assembled to review the process before they decided to take the products to NAFDAC for its final confirmation and approval for public consumption.
Ibezim said that the products were in capsule, powdered and liquid forms.
He said the state has a team of medical experts in all areas of medicines who are saddled with the responsibility of reviewing herbal products in the state before they can be made public for use.
“We will give approval if the products fit our standard.
He stated further that the government has provided a friendly environment for business to thrive for all genuine herbal practitioners notwithstanding their states of origin.
Ibezim also warned herbal practitioners in the state who peddle different types of herbal products without seeking approval from the government agency in-charge of herbal products to desist forthwith.
He revealed that the Anambra Traditional Medicine Board has been assigned the responsibility of properly analysing herbal products in the state and declare them fit for use by the public or otherwise before they are pushed out for consumers, which he advised that all practitioners are expected to comply,” he said.
Ibezim said that there were several unauthorised herbal products being peddled by some practitioners in the state, adding that government would soon clamp down on such.
He said that the state government had provided enough support for the agency to ensure that fake herbal products are wiped out from circulation.
Ibezim said that the agency had achieved some results and is desirous to consolidate on its past success while commending the governor for his support to the office of Indigenous Medicine and Herbal Practice.
“All our success is attributed to Gov. Obiano’s interest in providing total health for the residents of Anambra,” he said.
