The Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB) has recalled the licenses of recently certified Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in the state, pending their participation in the mandatory General Hospital Immersion Programme.
The Registrar of the Board, Prince Babatunde Adele, disclosed the decision during a stakeholders’ meeting on Friday, stressing that the measure is aimed at raising the quality of maternal and child healthcare services delivered by TBAs.
According to him, the Immersion Programme — previously conducted in general hospitals — will now take place exclusively at flagship Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs). As such, licenses issued to the affected TBAs are being recalled until they successfully complete the process.
Represented at the meeting by the Director of Research, Training, and Development, Mr. Hakeem Bello, Adele also announced the suspension of all ongoing TBA training programmes, pending further directives.
Going forward, he said, all prospective TBAs will be required to undergo a compulsory four-year training programme at approved centres before they can be licensed.
The Registrar further directed affected practitioners to suspend practice immediately and transfer patients under their care to appropriate healthcare facilities until the immersion process is concluded. However, he clarified that the directive does not affect already licensed practitioners.
Adele added that the TBAs whose licenses were recalled have been given a two-week grace period to submit them, assuring stakeholders that the Board will provide full support throughout the restructuring exercise.