Experts and practitioners in integrative medicine have highlighted its potential to significantly improve healthcare access in Nigeria. In his submission, a Consultant Toxicologist, Professor Olufunsho Awodele has emphasised the cost-effectiveness of integrative approaches,mparticularly for managing chronic diseases. Awodele, said by incorporating herbal remedies and lifestyle modifications, individuals can reduce reliance on expensive pharmaceuticals and hospitalizations.
“Integrative medicine’s focus on preventive care, such as nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle changes, can help reduce the incidence of chronic diseases. This aligns with the need for sustainable healthcare solutions,” he said. Awodele spoke on “Integrative Medicine Approach: A Hidden Gold for Health and Economic Emancipation of Nigeria in the 21st Century” at the Association of Integrative Medicine practitioners Conference in Lagos.
“Focusing on preventive care— through nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle changes—can help reduce the incidence of chronic diseases, which are increasingly prevalent in Nigeria. Integrative medicine’s emphasis on prevention aligns with the need for sustainable healthcare solutions.” Awodele explained that Integrative medicine often includes practices such as herbal medicine, traditional healing, and community based health programmes that are accessible and culturally acceptable to many Nigerians.
“Integrating these practices with conventional care can improve access and adherence to treatment. Integrative medicine’s emphasis on prevention aligns with the need for sustainable healthcare solutions”, he added. “The future, Integrative Medicine promises to transform the healthcare landscape.
It encourages a shift from a disease-centered model to prioritising health promotion and disease prevention.” Speaking, the Chairman of the Association of Integrative Medicine Practitioners (AIMP) in Lagos, Dr. Ebu Iyotor Collins, underscored the importance of herbal medicine in the Nigerian healthcare sector.
He highlighted the economic benefits of the industry including job creation and opportunities for trained practitioners. Emphasising the place of herbal medicine in healthcare, he said: “we believe in our home made herbal products which has provided a lot of Job opportunities for our citizens and has created a lot of opportunities for the trained practitioners in herbal medicine.” It has also impacted positively on our economic growth, he added.
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