Ghana's healthcare system could benefit from a greater role for scientifically validated traditional medicine, according to Deputy Minister for Health, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah. She emphasized the government's commitment to integrating safe and scientifically validated traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare to improve healthcare delivery. This move aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in Ghana.
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah made these remarks during a visit to the Center of Awareness (COA) Research and Manufacturing Company, a herbal medicine manufacturing facility in the Central Region. The visit allowed her to engage with the company's management and staff, as well as inspect its facilities to assess compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). This inspection is crucial in ensuring that traditional medicine products meet the required standards for safety and efficacy.
The Deputy Minister cited China as an example of a country where traditional and conventional medicine are used alongside each other, highlighting the potential benefits of stronger integration. She noted that this approach could help broaden access to safe and quality healthcare in Ghana. By leveraging traditional medicine, the country can tap into its rich cultural heritage and explore new avenues for improving healthcare outcomes.
The government's Free Primary Healthcare programme, which emphasizes preventive and promotive healthcare, offers an opportunity to examine the role of traditional medicine in healthcare delivery. Prof. Ayensu-Danquah mentioned the potential of traditional medicine in addressing non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. This is particularly significant, given the growing burden of these diseases in Ghana and the need for innovative solutions.
Prof. (HC) Samuel Ato Duncan, CEO of COA Manufacturing Company, commended the government for its efforts to develop traditional medicine to a standard that can complement national healthcare programmes. He highlighted the company's research into the potential health benefits of its products, including their application in areas such as cancer and viral diseases. This research is crucial in unlocking the potential of traditional medicine and ensuring its safe and effective use.
Prof. Duncan emphasized the importance of sustained research and collaboration with government to unlock the potential of traditional medicine. He believes that this collaboration will enable the sector to make a greater contribution to healthcare delivery in Ghana. By working together, the government and traditional medicine practitioners can develop a more comprehensive and inclusive healthcare system.
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah assured stakeholders that the Ministry of Health would continue to collaborate with them to strengthen research, quality assurance, manufacturing, and regulation. These efforts aim to create a safe and evidence-based system in which traditional and conventional medicine can work together. The integration of traditional medicine into Ghana's healthcare system has the potential to improve healthcare outcomes and increase access to quality healthcare services.
Key points
- Deputy Minister for Health, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, advocates for integrating scientifically validated traditional medicine into Ghana's healthcare system.
- The government aims to leverage traditional medicine to improve healthcare delivery and increase access to safe and quality healthcare services.
- The integration of traditional medicine into Ghana's healthcare system could help address non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.
