Health News of Saturday, 29 October 2005

Source: GNA

MP advises herbal health practitioners on effective health delivery

Accra, Madina (G/R), Oct. 29, GNA- Alhaji Amadu Sorogho, Member of Parliament (MP) for Abokobi-Madina constituency, on Saturday called on traditional health practitioners to give their patients maximum health care to attract greater patronage from the general public.

Speaking at the official opening of the "No Turn Herbal Clinic" near Madina, Alhaji Sorogho observed that a good number of Ghanaians now seek treatment from herbal clinics because of the potency of herbal medicines. However, herbal practitioners must refrain from making unnecessary claims so as to continue to attract more people.

He also urged them to observe good hygienic practices and keep their surroundings clean.

Alhaji Sorogho warned the people of the constituency against cholera outbreak caused mainly by unhygienic conditions, and stressed the need for all to develop the habit of washing their hands with soap and water soon after visiting the toilet.

He also urged members of the constituency to put aside political differences and join hands to develop the area.

He said with the elections now over, there was the need for all to devote their energies towards the development of the area. "I am no longer the MP for NDC nor for the NPP, but rather an MP for the constituency, hence the need for all of us to put aside our political differences to develop the area, " he told the guests at the function.

"There are armed robbers and wee smokers living amongst us and we need to expose such people," Alhaji Sorogho said, adding that the constituency members should endeavour to keep their surroundings clean to avoid diseases.

Mr Peter Nimo, District Coordinating Director, Ga East, urged the health practitioners of the clinic to ensure that the patients were treated with patience.

"Give them tender loving care, in addition to giving them the right medicines for each ailment. Through that, they would advertise the clinic on your behalf," he told the practitioners of the clinic. "Do not claim to cure a particular disease when you know you do not have the ability to do so," he said, adding that they should be truthful to their patients at all times.

Mr. Nimo urged traditional health practitioners to endeavour to pay their taxes whilst at the same time ensuring that they formed associations within their areas of operation in order to attract the attention of government for assistance.

Mr. Job Adu-Siaw, chairman for the occasion urged practitioners to seek the welfare of their patients first and foremost instead of thinking about enriching themselves, at the expense of the patient.