The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has called for the integration of traditional medicine with orthodox healthcare practices to improve healthcare delivery and preserve indigenous medical knowledge in Nigeria.
The monarch made the appeal on Wednesday while receiving executive members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria at the Olubadan Palace in Ibadan.
According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Gbenga Ayoade, the traditional ruler stressed the importance of recognising the role traditional medicine continues to play in the healthcare system, especially among ordinary Nigerians.
Oba Ladoja noted that traditional medicine remains widely accepted because of its effectiveness, accessibility and affordability.
“I believe in the efficacy of traditional medicine, its accessibility and affordability. So, let me use this period to advocate for the integration of traditional medicine with modern medicine for the enhancement of virile healthcare delivery before the exit of the traditional medical practitioners,” the monarch said.
He also maintained that the need to preserve the knowledge and contributions of traditional medical practitioners, warning that valuable indigenous healthcare practices could be lost if deliberate efforts were not made to integrate and document them.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Oyo State branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Segun Ajanaku, said the delegation visited the palace to congratulate the monarch on his ascension to the throne.
Ajanaku also commended the Olubadan for what he described as notable achievements recorded within the short period of his reign.
