Towards integration of modern and traditional medicine in Nigeria: issues, problems and prospects

Abstract

Modern medicine is a system of care that is based on scientific knowledge. On the other hand traditional medicine is the sum total of the knowledge, skills and practices based on the culture, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different social groups used in maintenance of health as well as the prevention and treatment of physical and mental illness. In Nigeria, there are two different medical care systems that exists in harmoniously with limited cooperation across board hence the need to integrate both together. This review paper examined the issues, problems and prospects of such integration in Nigeria. The negotiated order theory by American Sociologist Anslem Strauss (1993) was used in explaining how integration between the two medical care systems could be achieved in the Nigerian society. The paper examined some issues and problems facing the medical care system such as shortages of health care personnel, and lack of cooperation between modern and traditional medicine practitioners. Also traditional medical practitioners are mostly found in rural areas and lack the professional expertise. There are problems of uncertainty in their drug dosage. Traditional healers are also not very transparent in their dealings with patients, among other problems. This paper recommended that the process of integrating the two health care set-ups must be anchored on policy, education and training as well as monitoring, regulation, quality and assurance.