The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Bampoe, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to integrating herbal medicine into the mainstream healthcare system, describing it as a critical strategy for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and strengthening primary healthcare delivery.
Dr. Bampoe made the remarks in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Acting Administrative Secretary of the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC), Dr. Evelyn Abayaa-Issah, during the 7th Medical Herbalists’ Induction Ceremony, where 48 newly qualified Medical Herbalists were formally inducted into the profession.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Bampoe congratulated the newly inducted practitioners and commended them for completing years of rigorous academic and professional training.
“This occasion marks a significant milestone in your professional journey. It is the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice, and rigorous training. More importantly, it signifies your commitment to improving the health and well-being of the people of Ghana through safe, effective, and ethical herbal medical practice,” he stated.
The NHIA CEO noted that the ceremony’s theme, “Advancing Primary Healthcare Through Research-Driven Herbal Medicine Integration,” aligns closely with Ghana’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve access to quality services across the country.
According to him, strong primary healthcare remains the foundation of an effective and resilient health system, making the integration of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine an important national priority.
He observed that Ghana has made significant strides in mainstreaming herbal medicine through the establishment of herbal medicine units in public health facilities, the training and deployment of Medical Herbalists, and the development of policies that encourage collaboration between conventional healthcare providers and traditional medicine practitioners.
“Research has shown that the integration of herbal medicine services into public hospitals has enhanced patient choice, improved access to care, and created opportunities for scientific research and innovation,” he said.
Dr. Bampoe also highlighted the longstanding contribution of the Centre for Plant Medicine Research, which he described as a national centre of excellence dedicated to the scientific validation, development, and promotion of herbal medicinal products.
He noted that through extensive research, product development, and partnerships with academic institutions, the Centre has played a pivotal role in advancing evidence-based herbal healthcare in the country.
The NHIA CEO further disclosed that ongoing policy discussions within the health sector are focusing on expanding traditional medicine services within public health facilities, strengthening regulatory and quality assurance mechanisms, promoting research and innovation, and exploring ways to improve access to approved herbal medicines under the country’s healthcare financing framework.
One of the most significant developments, he said, is the ongoing effort to include approved herbal medicines on Ghana’s Essential Medicines List.
According to him, such a move would represent a landmark achievement in the integration of herbal medicine into the national healthcare system.
“The inclusion of herbal medicines on the Essential Medicines List signals formal recognition by government that evidence-based herbal medicines are not peripheral to healthcare delivery but are a core component of the medicines that Ghanaians need access to, particularly at the primary healthcare level,” he stated.
Dr. Bampoe explained that once approved herbal medicines are included on the list, they could become eligible for government procurement, integration into national pharmaceutical supply chains, and eventual coverage under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
He emphasized that this development would significantly expand access to herbal treatment options for patients while creating new opportunities for Medical Herbalists and researchers.
However, he cautioned that the inclusion of herbal medicines on the Essential Medicines List would also require strict adherence to standards of safety, efficacy, and quality.
“This places an even greater responsibility on regulators, practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to ensure that herbal medicines meet the required standards. For newly inducted Medical Herbalists, it presents an exciting opportunity to champion products and treatments grounded in rigorous scientific evidence,” he added.
Dr. Bampoe urged the new practitioners to embrace continuous learning, innovation, and evidence-based practice throughout their careers.
He encouraged them to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern science by collaborating with researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to advance the herbal medicine profession.
He further observed that herbal medicine remains one of the most accessible forms of healthcare for many communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas, making its development and regulation crucial to national health outcomes.
“Traditional medicine has long been an integral part of Ghana’s healthcare system. The challenge before us is to ensure that this rich heritage is supported by scientific evidence, quality assurance, and effective regulation,” he said.
The NHIA CEO reiterated that research remains indispensable in validating the safety, efficacy, and quality of herbal medicines, promoting public confidence, informing policy decisions, and facilitating greater integration into mainstream healthcare.
He commended the Traditional Medicine Practice Council and academic institutions for their efforts in promoting professional excellence and advancing research within the herbal medicine sector.
Dr. Bampoe also assured stakeholders that the NHIA remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve access to quality healthcare services for all Ghanaians and recognizes the importance of strengthening partnerships across all recognized healthcare disciplines, including herbal medicine.
He called on the newly inducted Medical Herbalists to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, competence, and compassion in the discharge of their duties.
He further praised the Traditional Medicine Practice Council for its role in regulating the profession and ensuring that practitioners are adequately trained to meet modern healthcare demands.
Dr. Bampoe encouraged the inductees to approach their careers with confidence, humility, and a spirit of service, describing them as ambassadors of excellence, innovation, and professionalism.
By 1960news.com
