The President of the Ghana Association of Medical Herbalists (GAMH), Dr. MH Sandra Ashong, has appealed to the government, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and other relevant stakeholders to expedite financial clearance for the recruitment of qualified Medical Herbalists into the Ghana Health Service and other public healthcare institutions.
According to her, the employment of Medical Herbalists should not be viewed solely as a professional concern but as a critical healthcare necessity that can significantly improve healthcare delivery across the country.
Dr. Ashong made the call during the 7th Medical Herbalist Induction Ceremony, where newly qualified Medical Herbalists were formally inducted into the profession.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ashong expressed concern over the growing number of trained Medical Herbalists who continue to face challenges in securing employment despite significant investments made in their education and professional training.
“While significant investments have been made in training highly skilled Medical Herbalists, many qualified professionals continue to face delays in securing employment opportunities within the public sector,” she stated.
She noted that increasing recruitment into public health facilities would strengthen primary healthcare services, improve access to integrated healthcare options, support preventive healthcare initiatives, and contribute to improved national health outcomes.
“Expanding employment opportunities for Medical Herbalists is not merely a professional concern; it is a healthcare imperative,” she emphasized.
Beyond employment concerns, Dr. Ashong highlighted the need for a properly structured and streamlined training framework for Medical Herbalist trainees.
She stressed that the future of the profession depends largely on the quality of training provided to students and called for stronger collaboration among academic institutions, teaching facilities, regulatory authorities, and healthcare institutions.
According to her, such collaboration would ensure standardized, competency-based and practice-oriented training capable of preparing future Medical Herbalists for the evolving demands of modern healthcare delivery.
“The future of our profession depends on the quality of training we provide,” she said.
Speaking on the theme of the ceremony, “Advancing Primary Healthcare Through Research-Driven Herbal Medicine Integration,” Dr. Ashong described the topic as timely and relevant.
She observed that healthcare systems around the world are increasingly embracing the integration of scientifically validated traditional and herbal medicine into mainstream healthcare delivery.
According to her, Medical Herbalists are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific practice.
“As Medical Herbalists, we are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific practice, thereby contributing meaningfully to universal health coverage, primary healthcare delivery, and sustainable development,” she stated.
GAMH’s Efforts to Advance the Profession
Dr. Ashong highlighted several initiatives undertaken by GAMH to promote the growth and recognition of Medical Herbalists within Ghana’s healthcare system.
She said the Association has over the years engaged in advocacy, stakeholder consultations, professional development programmes, mentorship initiatives, scientific conferences, policy dialogues, and community outreach activities aimed at strengthening the profession.
According to her, these efforts have helped position Medical Herbalists as an important component of Ghana’s healthcare delivery framework.
She further reiterated GAMH’s commitment to fostering collaboration among practitioners, researchers, regulators, industry players, and development partners to advance evidence-based herbal medicine practice in the country.
One of the key initiatives highlighted during the ceremony was the establishment of the GAMH Job Center, a platform designed to connect Medical Herbalists with employment and career opportunities.
Dr. Ashong explained that the initiative was introduced in response to the employment challenges many graduates face after induction.
The platform, she noted, links members to opportunities in healthcare institutions, research organizations, pharmaceutical companies, academia, entrepreneurship ventures, and international collaborations.
“The Job Center is expected to become a central hub for career development, professional networking, mentorship, and workforce expansion,” she said, encouraging newly inducted members to actively utilize the platform.
The GAMH President also underscored the Association’s commitment to the welfare of its members.
She noted that GAMH has consistently provided support to members during periods of bereavement, illness, family emergencies, and other difficult situations.
“We firmly believe that a strong professional family is built not only on shared knowledge and aspirations but also on mutual support and solidarity,” she stated.
Dr. Ashong congratulated the newly inducted Medical Herbalists on successfully completing their academic training and entering the profession.
She reminded them that the induction ceremony marked not the end of their journey but the beginning of a lifelong commitment to service, professionalism, innovation, and excellence.
She encouraged them to embrace research, pursue continuous learning, seek mentorship opportunities, publish scientific findings, and remain committed to ethical and patient-centred care.
“The modern Medical Herbalist is a clinician, researcher, educator, innovator, entrepreneur, public health advocate, and agent of change,” she said.
She urged the new professionals to allow evidence to guide their practice, integrity to define their conduct, and compassion to shape their service delivery.
“The healthcare needs of our nation are great, and your contributions will be vital in advancing accessible, affordable, safe and effective healthcare for all,” she added.
Dr. Ashong assured the inductees that GAMH would continue to advocate for their professional growth, welfare, recognition, and advancement while working to strengthen the profession’s contribution to national development.
She congratulated all the inductees on behalf of the National Executive Council of GAMH and wished them successful careers marked by excellence, innovation, service, and impact.
By 1960news.com
