Traditional Healers Urged To Embrace Patient Realities; Herbal Medicine Requires Time

In a recent gathering of the Ashanti Regional sector of the Ghana National Association of Traditional Healers (GNATH), Nana Akomea Sakyi Tutu Ampam II, President of the Plant Medicine Association and also Otumfuor Obrempong and Aboɔnten Chief, delivered crucial advice to herbal practitioners.

The focus of his counsel centered on patient care and regulatory compliance, highlighting the unique nature of herbal medicine and the importance of adhering to professional standards.

During the elections to select new leaders for the Ashanti Regional sector, Nana Akomea seized the opportunity to address GNATH members.

He emphasized the fundamental difference in how herbal medicine interacts with the body compared to conventional pharmaceuticals.

Acknowledging the slower response time of herbal remedies, he cautioned against setting ultimatums for patients seeking treatment.

Nana Akomea Sakyi Tutu Ampam II emphasized, “Herbal medicine takes time to react to patients, unlike pharmaceuticals.

“If you take stroke, for example, you can’t tell a stroke patient that you’ll heal them within a week. It’s impossible because it will take time.

“I’m advising them to desist from that act and let them know that herbal medicines take time to react to patients.”

Nana Appiah Gyimbibi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of GNATH, echoed Nana Akomea’s sentiments by emphasizing the need for regulatory compliance.

He outlined plans to establish regional offices tasked with educating members on obtaining proper licensing for their herbal products.

He stressed that even the most effective herbal drugs risk rejection by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) if produced in unsanitary conditions, underscoring the importance of maintaining clean manufacturing environments.

Mr. Lord Osei Ebenezer, the Association’s Secretary, shed light on the significant role traditional healers play in Ghana’s healthcare landscape.

He asserted that GNATH members currently cater to 65% of the Ghanaian population, significantly reducing the nation’s dependency on foreign pharmaceuticals.

Mr. Lord emphasized the substantial cost savings resulting from the use of herbal remedies, which has helped conserve millions of dollars in foreign exchange that would otherwise be spent on imported drugs.

Moreover, Mr. Lord advocated for increased support and recognition for traditional healers, emphasizing their potential to further enhance healthcare delivery in the country.

Rather than marginalizing them, he urged authorities to embrace traditional healers as integral partners in Ghana’s healthcare system.

The recent discourse within GNATH underscores the importance of balancing patient care with regulatory adherence in the practice of traditional medicine.

As Ghana continues to navigate its healthcare landscape, collaboration between traditional healers and regulatory bodies will be essential to ensure the safe and effective delivery of herbal remedies to the population.

 

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