The Ministry of Health in partnership with the Traditional Medicine Practice Council, (TMPC) have inducted 42 medical herbalists into the herbalist profession.
The practitioners, who received their training from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Bachelor of Science in Herbal Medicine, would offer services in the area of herbal medicine to augment healthcare delivery.
Speaking on the theme; “The role of traditional and alternative medicine practitioners in a digitalised healthcare system” a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Health and Allied Science, Pentecost University, Dr Kofi Busia, said in a world rapidly embracing digital progress, herbalist’s commitment to preserving and advancing indigenous healing practices position them as the guardians of cultural heritage.
“Embracing digital platforms, telemedicine, and data-driven methodologies can empower you to reach a broader patient base, accurately diagnose diseases, and provide personalised treatments.”
“As practitioners of medical herbalism, you carry the weighty responsibility of bridging the chasm between tradition and innovation. In the expansive landscape of modern medicine, your specialised knowledge in herbal remedies, natural therapies, and holistic approaches, holds immeasurable premium,” he said.
In the context of evolving healthcare landscape, Dr Busia said integrating traditional and alternative medicine into the digital healthcare framework would promote cultural diversity and inclusivity.
According to him, embracing diversity would not only enrich the healthcare system but also guarantee equal access to quality care for every individual, regardless of their background.
“In this digital era, collaboration becomes the linchpin. TAM practitioners, including medical herbalists, modern medicine practitioners, researchers, and technology experts must unite to create a patient-centric healthcare ecosystem,”
“By merging historical wisdom with contemporary innovations, you can pave the way for a future where healthcare is all-encompassing, compassionate, and accessible to everyone,” he said.
Dr Busia advised practitioners to establish dedicated websites and social media platforms focusing on herbal medicine to help educate the public, dispel myths, reshape public perception, and emphasise the rich history, efficacy, and importance of herbal medicine.
He said Ghana would soon witness the establishment of a professional Doctor of Herbal Medicine programme.
This, he said would produce graduates deserving a professional doctorate in herbal medicine and enable with a BSc degree in Herbal Medicine to pursue advanced education and professional growth.
“The Doctor of Herbal Medicine programme offers an advanced level of specialisation. For individuals with a BSc Herbal Medicine degree, this programme offers a unique opportunity for a top-up education. By refining your expertise through this advanced training, you are poised to become leaders in your chosen fields,” Dr Busia said.
In his submission President of Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association (GHATRAM), Professor Samuel Ato Duncan, said herbal medicine practice predates orthodox medicine, however, the conservative nature of the practice has held Ghana back for far too long.
He said it was important that while originality is being maintained in production and service delivery practices, “we must take cognizance of the dynamism of the sector in line with globalisation.”
According to Prof. Duncan, Ghana’s traditional medicine industry has been criticised for the lack of documentation, research, packaging and the adoption of scientific approach in manufacturing, dosage and administration of herbal medicines.
The Acting Registrar, Dr Anastasia Michaelina Yirenkyi, called on the public to support indigenous practitioners to promote herbal medicine usage.
She commended the government’s role in supporting herbal medicines, “Currently, there are 55 government hospitals across the country with herbal units superintendented by medical herbalists providing herbal medicine services,” she said.
BY AGNES OPOKU SARPONG & NII AYITEY BROWN
