Editorial
Obtain license before practising traditional medicine
People suffer from a variety of health problems, and instead of consulting with medical professionals who are competent to treat them, they prefer to take various concoctions from unqualified people, which ultimately makes their condition worse.
The Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) has expressed concern and warned practitioners of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine that neglect to obtain or renew their licenses from the council may be subject to legal action.
The Spectator is happy about this move because controlling Traditional Medicine Practice (TMP) will restore sanity to the system, as more and more people choose traditional rather than mainstream medicine.
The term “traditional medicine” describes the knowledge, abilities, and procedures utilised in the preservation of health as well as the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of physical and mental illness.
These methods are founded on the theories, beliefs, and life experiences that are native to many cultures.
The alert was sent out on August 31, on the occassion of African Traditional Medicine Day, which is observed every year. The World Health Organisation (WHO) created the Day in 2003 to honour the significance of traditional medicine in Africa and to encourage its incorporation into all of the continent’s national health systems.
According to the council, 70–80 per cent of people use herbal medicines as their major source of healthcare, making them the most widely used type of traditional medicine.
As to Section 9 of the TMPC Act, 2000 (Act 575), it is impermissible for an individual to manufacture herbal medicine for commercial purposes or run a business as a practitioner without first registering with the council.
In order to enhance public safety when administering herbal medications, it is crucial that herbal practitioners follow the Council’s recommendations and renew or obtain licenses from the organisation.
This is due to the fact that regulated practice would improve and promote the THPs’ meaningful participation in primary healthcare operations.
Most importantly, for millions of people, particularly in rural areas, traditional medicine and THPs are essential parts of the healthcare field.
Additionally, obtaining a license before practice will be extremely beneficial to herbalists as it will spare them from the harsh consequences of breaking the law.
The Spectator concurs with the Council that making safe and effective traditional medicines available could play a significant role in expanding access to healthcare services, as one-third of the population does not have access to vital medications.
Without a doubt, this will have a significant positive impact on Ghanaians’ health and wellbeing.
Whatever it may be, traditional medicine is here to stay and will continue to play a significant role in the healthcare systems of many communities, so the correct protocols must be followed to guarantee everyone’s safety.
Editorial
Make Heritage Day celebration compulsory for workers
Dear Editor,
I want to use this platform to suggest that the celebration of Heritage Month is declared compulsory, especially for workers in state agencies.
It is very interesting watching broadcasters adorned in diverse traditional regalia on our screens, telling the stories of the various tribes in the country.
But away from the television sets, there is practically nothing to see in town suggesting the celebration of such an important activity.
Once in the month, we also see our school children celebrating the event by dressing to depict where they come from.
But just as was done with the Chocolate Day celebration, I wish to suggest that workers in state agencies are forced to partake in the event. Within that month, every working staff should be made to dress in African prints or ones that would show where they come from.
That, to a large extent would give people a lot of education about their ancestry and their cultural values.
I have a few friends that are Gas from the Greater Accra region but because their parents stayed in other regions and gave birth to them outside Accra, they have little or no idea about where they actually come from.
Some of these activities would go a long way to educate such people to know their real homes.
I expect the Ministry of Tourism to play an active role in the success of this exercise.
Stella Twum,
Central Region
Editorial
Make Heritage Day celebration compulsory for workers
Dear Editor,
I want to use this platform to suggest that the celebration of Heritage Month is declared compulsory, especially for workers in state agencies.
It is very interesting watching broadcasters adorned in diverse traditional regalia on our screens, telling the stories of the various tribes in the country.
But away from the television sets, there is practically nothing to see in town suggesting the celebration of such an important activity.
Once in the month, we also see our school children celebrating the event by dressing to depict where they come from.
But just as was done with the Chocolate Day celebration, I wish to suggest that workers in state agencies are forced to partake in the event. Within that month, every working staff should be made to dress in African prints or ones that would show where they come from.
That, to a large extent would give people a lot of education about their ancestry and their cultural values.
I have a few friends that are Gas from the Greater Accra region but because their parents stayed in other regions and gave birth to them outside Accra, they have little or no idea about where they actually come from.
Some of these activities would go a long way to educate such people to know their real homes.
I expect the Ministry of Tourism to play an active role in the success of this exercise.
Stella Twum,
Central Region
