BS Traditional healers

CHAPTER FOUK

Role of Traditional Healers in the Health Delivery System

Traditional healers or medicine practitioners are individuals that treat human mental and physical sicknesses by herbs, medicinal plants and other techniques traditionally.

Traditional medicine plays a significant role in the health delivery system, particularly in countries where it is deeply rooted in cultural practices and beliefs. It encompasses a wide range of practices, knowledge, and beliefs that have been handed down through generations. Traditional medicine often includes herbal remedies, traditional therapies, spiritual healing, and various other approaches to maintaining and restoring health.

The mandatory or statutory body instituted by the Ministry of Health for traditional medicine practitioners is the Traditional Medicine Practice Council, (TMPC)

mandated by the Traditional Medicine Practice Act 2000, Act 575.

The council determines the brand and creates a respectable image for Traditional and Alternate Medicine (TAM) in Ghana.

key roles of traditional medicine in the health delivery system

  1. Cultural Relevance and Accessibility: Traditional medicine is deeply intertwined with the cultural heritage of many communities. It is often more accessible and affordable, especially in remote or underserved areas where modern healthcare infrastructure may be limited. Traditional healers and practitioners are typically familiar with the local language, customs, and beliefs, making healthcare more relatable and acceptable to the community.

  2. Holistic Approach: Traditional medicine often takes a holistic approach to health, considering the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of an individual. It emphasizes the balance and harmony between the body, mind, and environment. This approach can complement modern medicine, which often focuses primarily on the physical aspects of health.

  3. Prevention and Health Promotion: Traditional medicine places significant emphasis on prevention and health promotion. It includes practices such as dietary recommendations, lifestyle modifications, and herbal preparations that aim to maintain overall well-being and prevent diseases. By promoting healthy habits and addressing the root causes of illness, traditional medicine can contribute to reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

  4. Treatment of Chronic and Non-communicable Diseases: Traditional medicine often has a long history of managing chronic conditions and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis. Herbal remedies and traditional therapies are used to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and manage these conditions in many cultures.

  5. Complementary and Integrative Medicine: Traditional medicine can work alongside modern medicine as complementary and integrative approaches. In some cases, traditional practices have been studied and integrated into mainstream healthcare systems. This integration can enhance patient-centered care, combining the best of both traditional and modern approaches to improve health outcomes.

  6. Source of Pharmacological Knowledge: Traditional medicine has been a wellspring of knowledge for discovering new drugs and compounds. Many modern pharmaceuticals have their origins in traditional remedies. Scientific research on traditional medicine can help identify active ingredients, understand their mechanisms of action, and develop evidence-based treatment options.

7. Preservation of Traditional Knowledge: Traditional medicine represents a rich repository of cultural and medicinal knowledge. By acknowledging and integrating traditional practices into the health delivery system, societies can help preserve these valuable traditions for future generations. This knowledge can also be used to inform public health policies, research, and healthcare practices.

Types

They are grouped into two namely;

  1. Those who practice without invoking supernatural cause, eg herbalist, traditional birth attendants, bone setters etc.

  2. Those who rely on supernatural powers with either material remedies or not.

Importance

  • They are used in the maintenance of health.

  • They are used for prevention, diagnoses, improvement and treatment of physical and mental illness

  • They tend to compliment orthodox medicine.

  • It improves quality of life by relieving common symptoms of illness and diseases in a holistic manner.

  • It serves as important focus of international technical co-operation.

  • It results in fewer side effects.

  • It reduces the reliance on synthetic medications and avoids their side effects.

  • They help protect against sicknesses and diseases.

    While traditional medicine has its strengths, it also has limitations. Scientific validation, quality control, and safety standards are crucial when integrating traditional medicine into the health system to ensure patient safety and optimal healthcare outcomes. Collaboration between traditional healers, modern healthcare providers, researchers, policymakers, and communities is essential to harness the potential of traditional medicine effectively within the health delivery system.