The Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board has recalled the licenses of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) recently certified and awaiting the General Hospital Immersion Programme, pending a major restructuring of the sector.
Registrar of the Board, Prince Babatunde Adele, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting where key policy decisions were announced.
He explained that the General Hospital Immersion Programme will now be conducted exclusively at flagship Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), making it compulsory for newly certified TBAs to complete the programme before receiving their licenses.
Adele, represented by the Director of Research, Training and Development, Mr. Hakeem Bello, emphasized that the measure reflects government’s commitment to improving the quality of care delivered by TBAs.
He further revealed that the state will now introduce a four-year compulsory training programme at approved centres for all prospective TBAs before licensing.
Affected practitioners have been directed to suspend practice immediately and transfer current patients to appropriate healthcare facilities until the process is concluded. However, the directive does not affect already licensed practitioners.
“The affected TBAs have been given a two-week grace period to submit their licenses. The Board assures them of its full support throughout the restructuring process,” Adele stated.
