The government is exploring ways to integrate and expand the use of traditional and herbal medicines within the country’s healthcare system.
According to the Ministry of Health, a recent MoU signed with the Government of China underscores the ministry’s commitment to attracting investment and collaboration to advance this agenda.
Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, made these remarks during a courtesy call by leaders of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission.
While acknowledging the sector’s potential, the Minister raised concerns about standardization and contract manufacturing challenges within the traditional and herbal medicine industry. He emphasized that his ministry is committed to enforcing strict regulations to sanitize the sector and ensure public safety.
He further noted that while traditional medicines have not yet been added to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), discussions are ongoing to make that possible.
“We have not gotten to where we’ll put them on National Health Insurance list yet, but we’re getting there. I think they have presented a proposal to that effect. And at the moment there are hospitals that those traditional medicines have been integrated. About 40 of those hospitals where you go, they’ll give you the orthodox treatment and at the same time the traditional ones. And we’re seeking to also expand that,” he said.
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