The Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) recently conducted a training session for faith healers at the annual conference of the 12 Apostles Church in Kormantse, Central Region of Ghana. The session aimed to equip faith healers with the necessary knowledge and skills to operate within the regulatory framework governing traditional and alternative medicine practice. This initiative seeks to promote responsible and ethical healthcare delivery, emphasizing the importance of licensing, professional standards, and collaboration with relevant health institutions.
During the training, the TMPC urged faith healers to comply with the required licensing procedures and regulations to ensure their activities meet the prescribed standards for traditional medicine practice in Ghana. Participants were also sensitized on the importance of recognizing mental health conditions and referring individuals who require specialized medical attention to appropriate health facilities. This move is expected to enhance the quality and safety of traditional and faith-based healthcare delivery in the country.
Dr. Yakubu Yusuf Tobor, the Registrar of the TMPC, emphasized that faith healers play a significant role in providing healthcare to communities and therefore must be regulated to ensure their activities meet the required standards. He stressed the need to educate and equip faith healers to improve service delivery, promoting professionalism, accountability, and responsible healthcare practices. Dr. Tobor encouraged faith healers to comply with the Council's licensing requirements and regulatory standards.
Dr. Julius Xatse, the Acting Director of the Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital, highlighted the importance of mental health as a component of overall well-being. He called for responsible approaches to caring for and managing individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Dr. Xatse encouraged faith healers to avoid practices that could endanger the health and safety of clients and to work with qualified health professionals where necessary.
The training also covered the importance of maintaining ethical standards and avoiding practices that could endanger the health and safety of clients. Participants were provided with a platform to interact with the Council, enabling them to seek clarification on licensing procedures, compliance requirements, and their responsibilities in the healthcare system.
The initiative is part of efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight and improve the quality and safety of traditional and faith-based healthcare delivery in Ghana. By educating faith healers, the TMPC aims to promote professionalism, accountability, and safe healthcare practices among traditional and alternative medicine practitioners. This move is expected to enhance the overall healthcare delivery system in the country.
The engagement between the TMPC and faith healers is expected to continue, with the Council providing ongoing support and education to ensure that faith healers operate within the regulatory framework. Key stakeholders, including faith healers and healthcare professionals, are expected to benefit from this initiative, ultimately leading to improved healthcare outcomes for communities in Ghana.
Key points
- The TMPC trains faith healers on licensing, compliance, and mental health care.
- Faith healers urged to comply with licensing procedures and regulations.
- Initiative aims to promote professionalism and safe healthcare practices.
