By Muniratu Akweley Issah/Rebecca Som
Accra, Nov. 7, GNA – Mr. Alexander Akwasi Acquah, the Deputy Minister for Health, has urged newly inducted Medical Herbalists (MH) to demonstrate dedication and expertise in their practice to help dispel negative public perceptions of herbal medicine.
Speaking at the sixth induction ceremony of Medical Herbalists in Accra, Mr. Acquah emphasized that their professionalism and commitment would help address myths and misconceptions surrounding herbal treatments.
He pointed out that herbal medicine was not merely an alternative, but a valuable complement to conventional medicine.
The ceremony was held under the theme: “Unlocking the Potential of Herbal Medicine in the National Health Insurance Scheme for Inclusive Holistic Healthcare.”
Mr. Acquah noted that integrating herbal medicine into the healthcare system honoured Ghana’s cultural heritage and offered citizens accessible and diverse treatment options.
“By integrating these practices into our health system, we are providing inclusive healthcare that benefits every Ghanaian,” he said.
He acknowledged the challenges in incorporating herbal medicine into mainstream healthcare but pointed to the successful collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the Traditional Medicine Practice Council, and the Traditional Medicine Faculty.
That collaboration had led to the development of a framework ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of herbal treatments.
Mr. Acquah stressed the importance of education and public awareness in promoting the safe use of herbal medicines.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to continuous research and development to validate the benefits of traditional healing practices.
The integration of herbal medicine into government hospitals, the Deputy minister said, reflected the Ministry’s commitment to providing a comprehensive healthcare system.
He also stressed that that initiative ensured all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic background, had access to a wide range of healthcare options.
Mr. Acquah encouraged the newly inducted professionals to actively contribute to bridging the gap between traditional and modern medicine, playing an essential role in advancing inclusive healthcare for all.
GNA