The Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) has called on the public to exercise caution and vigilance when seeking traditional medical services during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

It said many unregistered members were on the prowl and could deceive and harm.

In a press release issued and signed by Dr. (MH) Yakubu Tobor Yusuf, the Registrar of the TMPC, the TMPC said festive seasons often recorded increased activity within the traditional medicine sector, a situation that can expose the public to health risks if due care is not taken.

The release said engaging the services of unqualified or unregistered individuals not only poses serious risks to personal health but also undermines the credibility and standards of traditional medical practice in the country, and urged the public to seek treatment only from practitioners who are duly registered and in good standing with the TMPC.

It said to help safeguard public health, the official register of licensed practitioners was publicly accessible and encouraged citizens to verify the status of practitioners before obtaining any form of traditional medical care.

The release which indicated that practitioners who are properly registered and compliant with all regulations of the TMPC were authorised to practise, said traditional medicine practice registration with the TMPC was a legal requirement under the Council’s mandate.

The TMPC also warned that strict sanctions await individuals found practising illegally, noting that offenders would be dealt with in accordance with the Traditional Medicine Practice Act, 575 of 2000,

“Any individual found practising traditional medicine without proper registration or in contravention of Council regulations will face strict sanctions,” the release said.

“The Council will not hesitate to enforce the law to its fullest extent against offenders, to safeguard the health of the public and the integrity of the profession,” it added.

The release further appealed to the public to report suspected cases of illegal traditional medicine practice, and encouraged practitioners who are not in good standing to regularise their status without delay.

The TMPC reaffirmed its commitment to upholding high standards in traditional medicine practice and called for collective responsibility to ensure a safe, healthy and joyous festive season.