Pharmacists seek growth of herbal medicines

ASSOCIATION of Lady Pharmacists ( ALPS) says it has nothing against herbal medicines, stating it was championing advocacy on cultivation of medicinal plants for health, nutrition and economic benefits.

Dismissing negative speculations attributed to the body in certain quarters during its 15th biennial national conference, yesterday, in Lagos, ALPS’ National Chairman, Victoria Ukwu, stated that cultivation of medicinal plants was to produce herbal, raw materials, nutritional supplements and body care products.

She said: “Our pet project, ‘ Project 91,’ is for the cultivation of economically viable medicinal plants for nutrition, health and economic benefits. Plants have been identified and allotted to each zone. The emphasis now is on agriculture. Nigeria is blessed with medicinal plants. We can get all our governors’ wives, who are our patrons, in various states, to be involved in the planting of herbal/ vegetable gardens across the country.