10th U6+ Consortium of African Universities International Conference

Traditional and Alternative Medicine (TAM) serves as a primary healthcare resource globally, yet foreign pharmacy graduates' perspectives on its integration remain underexplored. This cross-sectional survey examined 52 foreign pharmacy graduates participating in the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Orientation Programme (FPGOP), Northern zone at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria in 2021. Using a structured questionnaire, the study assessed their knowledge, usage patterns, attitudes, and willingness to integrate TAM into conventional pharmacy practice.
Results demonstrated substantial engagement with TAM: 96.15% had recent contact with TAM practitioners, 94.23% believed in its healthcare benefits, and 80% had personally used herbal remedies, with 59.62% reporting high satisfaction. Additionally, 65.38% could identify medicinal plants, and 34.61% had experience preparing herbal remedies. Despite this familiarity, only 28.85% considered becoming TAM practitioners, indicating a disconnect between personal use and professional commitment. Notably, 76.92% expressed willingness to undertake formal herbal medicine courses, and 88.46% supported integrating TAM with conventional medicine.
The findings reveal strong interest in TAM among foreign pharmacy graduates, alongside recognition of its therapeutic value. However, barriers persist, including limited formal education, regulatory concerns, and insufficient evidence-based validation. Addressing these gaps through structured training programs, research initiatives, and supportive policy frameworks could enhance pharmacists' competence in TAM and foster collaborative healthcare models with conventional medicine practices.