HARNESSING THE POTENTIALS OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE FOR EFFECTIVE HEALTHCARE DELIVERY IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

As individuals continue to face challenges related to the cost, quality, and timeliness of healthcare services, especially across time and space, it becomes crucial for policymakers in Kogi State to enhance both the accessibility and quality of traditional healthcare services. This research utilizes data gathered through In-depth Interview, and questionnaire surveys to develop actionable policies aimed at promoting and integrating traditional medical practices within Kogi State's healthcare system. The result shows that traditional medical practices in Kogi State has a robust and diverse set of indigenous healing traditions which include herbal medicine, bone setting, spiritual healing, traditional midwifery, incantations and divination, snakebite treatment, eye treatment and therapeutic massage. The study recommends integrating traditional medicine in the State’s healthcare policy framework.