TRADITIONAL MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS AND PRACTICE: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study critically examined the tenacity of traditional medicine, its practitioners and practice in Delta State. It also highlighted the challenges faced and prospects of traditional medicine. The paper addressed the ambivalence by the people towards treatment options offered by the indigenous and modern medicine practitioners as well as the challenges and prospects of our people’s experience in combating diseases and ailments overtime. The study which utilized the in-depth and key informant interviews as well as the focus group discussion revealed that traditional medical practice is accorded very significant patronage in the study area due to the efficacy of their products and services to the people and the inability of modern medicine to cure all ailments. Finally, the paper recommended that research and development in the field of Africa medicinal plants should be intensified to advance the course of African traditional medicine as a veritable alternative to orthodox medicine. In addition, traditional medicine practitioners should be encouraged to be more open in their practice and subject their products to refinement and inspection by the relevant government agencies.