DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL PRODUCTS SOURCING
Interest in natural products, particularly those derived from medicinal plants, has surged in the last few decades. Medicinal plants are being touted as valuable alternatives to orthodox medicines in the country. For this reason, the integration of herbal medicine into the mainstream health service system is being pursued. The availability of potent, effective and standard herbal products does not match our demand as a nation. Some of the plant species are feared to be nearing extinction. It is for these reasons that the Department shall ensure the availability of natural products for research activities and product development in the Institute, the University, and the nation.
Core functions
1. Cultivation of medicinal plants and rearing of animals with medicinal value.
2. Establishment and maintenance of medicinal plant gardens, arboretum, and herbarium.
3. Information sourcing and keeping of relevant records.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY
Traditional healthcare services are no longer confined to rural areas; they are widespread in urban and semi-urban areas with the influx of people from rural to urban areas in search of better economic conditions.
The department will educate and promote TCAM practices as safe and alternative healthcare options to improve the quality of life. Quality training of TCAM practitioners will help address issues of misconceptions the public have in TCAM practices. Educational programmes for practitioners and sensitization of the general public will make TCAM more popular, as a safe and acceptable means of healthcare. These could potentially improve the relationship between TCAM and other health practitioners.
The department will collaborate and facilitate the implementation of the national strategic plan for TCAM development in Ghana by intensifying the education of practitioners, encouraging ethical practices, rational usage of traditional medicine, documentation of traditional medicine beliefs and practices, and rigorous research in the field, with the aim of improving TCAM to acceptable and marketable standards .
Core functions
1. Education on TCAM to healthcare workers and creating awareness of TCAM practices to the public.
2. Advocacy for TCAM inclusion in the national healthcare system.
3. Organising educational and advocacy workshops for TCAM practitioners and the public.
4. Promotion of ITAM training programmes. These shall include certificate, diploma, and postgraduate programmes for health professionals and individuals with the relevant backgrounds.
5. Organising continuous professional development programmes and workshops for TCAM practitioners and ITAM stakeholders.
6. Education of TCAM practitioners on the need for collaborative and coordinated practices to facilitate TCAM incorporation into national healthcare programmes.
7. Education on the need for the registration of TCAM practitioners and their practice premises.
8. Assist with the patenting of discoveries made by TCAM practitioners.
9. Ensure the visibility of ITAM online through the University website, through radio and fact sheets.
CLINICAL DEPARTMENT
This involves the establishment of a clinic as part of the Institute, where patients are treated using the requisite TCAM practices. It would also be a Centre where persons enrolled in TCAM programmes at the Institute and other establishments would be trained and equipped with the relevant clinical skills and applications of other TCAM modalities.
Core functions
1. Provide TCAM practice services to clients and patients in an integrative and holistic manner.
2. Equip students and trainees with the relevant clinical skills in traditional medicine and CAM practices.
3. Add value, with respect to clinical training, to persons already trained in aspects of traditional medicine and CAM for a more holistic practice.
4. Engage in clinical trials of natural products and test TCAM practices to ensure their safety and efficacy.
DRUG PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT
This involves the establishment of a production unit to complement the activities of the other departments, through the development, testing, and commercialization of natural medicines and other products employed in TCAM practices.
Core functions
1. Designing, formulating, and standardizing different dosage forms containing efficacious herbs.
2. Ensuring that all medicines formulated, produced and/or evaluated by the Institute conform to all regulatory standards.
3. Research and development of new medicinal products.
4. Training herbal medicine practitioners in good manufacturing practices.
5. Quality control and natural product analysis.
6. Offering consultancy services that are in line with the mandate of the Institute.