Health News of Tuesday, 10 February 2009

Source: GNA

Traditional Medicine practitioners want Bill passed

Gomoa Nduem (C/R), Feb. 10, GNA - Gomoa East and West districts branch of the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners (GHAFTRAM) have appealed to the government to pass the Traditional Medicine Council Bill, enacted in 2000 into law. The appeal was contained in a Congratulatory Message, signed by Nana Kwame Arhin, Chairman of the Association, to President John Atta Mills and Vice President John Mahama on their inauguration to the highest office of the land.

The message assured the Presidency that, the bill when passed, would not only enhance the efficiency in the use of traditional medicine in health delivery, but would regulate activities of quack herbalist in the system. "We are aware of the concerns of government to provide quality and affordable health care for the citizenry," the message said, and added that, "the traditional medicine council law would facilitate collaboration between the practitioners of the orthodox medicine and traditional practitioners."

The Association further appealed to the President to make the National Health Insurance Scheme cover traditional medicine service providers to encourage them to do more research into herbal medicine. They assured the President of their loyalty and commitment to ensure the success of his administration. 11 Feb. 08