Traditional Medicine Practice Council Inducts 16 Newly Qualified Medical Herbalists into Healthcare System.

Accra: The Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) has inducted 16 newly qualified Medical Herbalists into the Council in Accra on Wednesday. These inductees, who have successfully completed a six-year program in Traditional Medicine Practice at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), are set to be posted to various government hospitals. This initiative marks the integration of herbal medicine into mainstream healthcare delivery, aimed at enhancing holistic healthcare. According to Ghana News Agency, the sixth induction ceremony, themed "Unlocking the potential of herbal medicine in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for inclusive holistic healthcare," highlighted the importance of supportive policies and regulations. Dr. Michael Kyeremateng, Registrar of TMPC, emphasized the need for sectoral synergy to bridge gaps between academia, research, policy, and practice. He stressed on fostering a cohesive approach to healthcare that involves patients, families, and communitie s in pursuit of inclusive, quality patient-centered care. Dr. Sandra Ashong, President of the Ghana Association of Medical Herbalists (GAMH), noted significant advancements in herbal medicine services at government hospitals. She urged the public to seek treatment from certified medical herbal practitioners at these facilities to ensure quality healthcare services. Dr. Ashong also called on the government to expedite the roll-out of herbal medicine treatment under the NHIS to alleviate out-of-pocket payments for patients, especially since many medicines are not currently covered by the scheme. Addressing employment concerns, Dr. Ashong expressed worry about members who have not been posted since 2019, urging the government for financial clearance to employ them. The delay in employment has been a significant issue for many newly qualified herbalists. Dr. Anastasia Yirenkye, Director of the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Directorate (TAMD) at the Ministry of Health, stated that the government has made strides in developing traditional medicine as a viable healthcare option over the past two decades. She acknowledged the inequalities faced by deprived and underserved communities and emphasized the government's efforts to address these issues within limited resources. Dr. Yirenkye expressed hope that the inclusion of herbal medicine in the NHIS would become a reality, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure health for all at all ages.