The Federal University of Health Sciences (FUHS) at Otukpo in Benue says it will soon begin the research into traditional medicine with a view to processing herbs into orthodox drugs.

Mr Ameh Oche, the university’s Pioneer Partner, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

“The university is going to delve into research of traditional medicine. I think this is about the first time this is coming on board, where researches will be done on traditional medicine and see the efficacy of it as it affects solution to ailment in Nigeria and countries abroad in a more scientific manner.

“This is purely a university of health sciences, which means, most of the health challenging issues affecting Nigeria in the area of heart surgery, spinal cord, will definitely be overcome.

“Especially, those challenges that take Nigerians abroad, brain surgery, open heart surgery, kidney surgery, and what Nigerians will look at as an impossible task would be made possible,’’ he said.

Oche added the university would also introduce community medicine to tackle diseases affecting people at the community level, such as diarrhea and guinea worm.

He also said that the establishment of the university was timely as it would provide the indigenes of the state access to education, thereby producing medical professionals in the country.

The pioneer partner assured that the institution’s integrity and quality of work would not be compromised since it would be dealing with human lives.

He said the university would begin a pre-science course in October. “It is not just a conventional university. It’s a specialised university, and it has to do with human life.

“So, the best hands must be recruited, just like the university is making efforts to bring in expatriates. Fifty per cent of the academic staff may be recruited from outside Nigeria.

“The pre-science (course) is actually to see how we can bring these brains together and get the best out of the best.

“The notion of the pre-science (course) is to see how the first intakes will be equal to any university in the world.”

Oche said the university would also establish a community primary health centre which would serve as a teaching hospital for easy monitoring by their lecturers.

He, however, called on learned Idoma indigenes to avail the institution of their skills, professionalism and resources for the complete take-off of the university.

NAN recalls that the establishment of the Federal University of Health Sciences was approved by former President Goodluck Jonathan in May and it took off in June. (NAN)

•Photo shows herbs, the key ingredients of traditional medicine.