Regulating Ghana's Herbalists: Promoting Public Safety or Limiting Traditional Medicine?
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⭐️ TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)
Ghana's TMPC is cracking down on over 500,000 unlicensed traditional medicine practitioners to improve public safety, with only 15-20% compliant under current regulations. A digital licensing system will be introduced.
The Traditional Medicine Practice Council of Ghana is targeting over 500,000 unlicensed practitioners to ensure public safety.
Only 15-20% of traditional medicine practitioners comply with licensing requirements under the Traditional Medicine Practice Act.
Recent actions by the TMPC have resulted in the targeting of 75 illegal practitioners in two weeks.
A digital licensing system will be introduced to help the public identify certified practitioners and ensure safety.
Article Summary
Regulatory Council's Clampdown on Unlicensed Herbalists in Ghana
🌐 Context and Background
In a significant move to ensure public safety, the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) of Ghana has announced a clampdown on over 500,000 unlicensed traditional and alternative medicine practitioners. This alarming statistic comes from a recent revelation highlighting that nearly 80% of the industry operates outside legal boundaries, posing risks to the health of many Ghanaians who rely on these services for primary healthcare. The law mandates registration and licensing under the Traditional Medicine Practice Act, 2000 (Act 575).
🔍 Key Developments and Insights
Dr. Michael Kyeremateng, the Registrar of the TMPC, indicated that only 15-20% of practitioners and institutions are compliant with licensing requirements. The clampdown aims to address the rising number of unauthorised operators, with recent actions targeting 75 illegal practitioners in just two weeks. The council's efforts are crucial, given that many patients directly approach unlicensed facilities before seeking allopathic medical assistance, which can exacerbate health crises.
💡 Impact and Significance
The TMPC's initiatives underscore the critical need for regulatory oversight in traditional medicine. The rise of unlicensed practitioners not only jeopardizes public health but also poses a national security threat. With a campaign aimed at raising awareness about the risks associated with unregulated practices, the TMPC plans to publish lists of certified practitioners and introduce a digital licensing system to assist the public in identifying safe alternatives. As traditional medicine continues to play a significant role in healthcare for many Ghanaians, robust regulation is imperative for ensuring patient safety and maintaining the integrity of the profession.
Read the original article here
📚 Citation
500,000 Herbalists unlicensed - Regulatory council begins clampdown. (n.d.). BusinessGhana. https://www.businessghana.com/site/news/general/314241/500,000-Herbalists-unlicensed-Regulatory-council-begins-clampdown
