In order to optimize healthcare by facilitating a holistic integration of Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) into the national healthcare system through education, training, research, product development, advocacy, community engagement and service delivery, the Institute of Traditional and Alternative Medicine (ITAM) of UHAS in collaboration with Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) held a stakeholder workshop.
Vice Chancellor, Professor Lydia Aziato, in her address stated that UHAS as the only health institution in the country is poised and eager to partner VRCC and all other stakeholders to train herbalists in the region as the gateway to Ghana.
Professor Aziato also indicated that “we need to engage and train herbalists to have both the experience and academic training in traditional and alternative medicine.” This means we need to blend the scientific knowledge together with the experience of the herbalists. She ended her submission by saying, “I strongly agree that a training course with well-vexed expertise is in the right direction.”
On behalf of the Regional Minister, the Chief Director of VRCC, Mr. Augustus Awity said that over the years, “traditional medicine has been in existence but what is lacking is research and product development.” In order to develop and have alternatives for conventional medicines, “it is time to educate, consult practitioners and stakeholders in the region.”
Professor Benoit Banga Nguessan, Director of ITAM in a presentation also reiterated the fact that, not only has traditional and alternative medicine been with us over the years but it is also integral to our culture and contributes to new drugs and therapies especially to prevalent chronic conditions.
For ITAM to be an internationally recognized centre for excellence in the development and promotion of TCAM practices, Professor Nguessan stated that, “there is a great potential and the need for research to develop new drugs in the region and in the country at large.” He also highlighted on the need to set up a product analysis and formulation unit for research laboratories. This includes a preservation and sustainable development of medicinal plant farming for traditional and alternative medicine which is currently ongoing.
Mr. Gorden Akurugu, Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) said that, the challenge with traditional medicine and herbal products is the safety and efficacy that cannot be scientifically proven. With this, there is the need for certification, education and training of traditional herbal practitioners in the region.
Mr. Akurugu indicated that his outfit is ready to give the necessary support to traditional herbal practitioners to get the needed qualifications and certification to operate in the region.
In attendance were other stakeholders from Ghana Health Service, Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Associations, Ministry of Health and Ghana Standards Authority.