Premises of the magnificent cultural centre, Calabar, venue of a trado-medical fair, witnessed a drama of sorts at the weekend when a task force from the Cross River State Ministry of Health stormed it and put a stop to the event.
The organisers had already set up tents and camps ready for the fair before the Anti-quackery Task Force of the Ministry, led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Ushie David, swooped on them and destroyed the tents.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu has warned quack and unregistered Herbal Medicine Practitioners to steer clear of the State or face the full weight of the law.
The Commissioner insisted that all herbal products in the State must be subjected to a thorough evaluation by relevant authorities before being sold to the members of the public.
According to her, Herbal Medicine Vendors in Cross River must register with relevant Agencies and obtain approval before promoting their products.
Dr Edu warned that the Government will not compromise on the health of the citizens and will not, therefore, allow quack herbal producers and practitioners to ply their illicit trade in the State.
She decried unethical practices by the Herbal Medicine Practitioners adding that “one drug cures all ailments” is illegal and unacceptable”
