People suffer from a variety of health problems, and instead of consulting with medical professionals who are competent to treat them, they prefer to take var­ious concoctions from unqualified people, which ultimately makes their condition worse.

The Traditional Medicine Prac­tice Council (TMPC) has expressed concern and warned practitioners of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine that neglect to obtain or renew their licenses from the council may be subject to legal action.

The Spectator is happy about this move because controlling Traditional Medicine Practice (TMP) will restore sanity to the system, as more and more people choose traditional rather than mainstream medicine.

The term “traditional medicine” describes the knowledge, abilities, and procedures utilised in the pres­ervation of health as well as the di­agnosis, treatment, and prevention of physical and mental illness.

These methods are founded on the theories, beliefs, and life ex­periences that are native to many cultures.

The alert was sent out on August 31, on the occassion of African Traditional Medicine Day, which is observed every year. The World Health Organisation (WHO) creat­ed the Day in 2003 to honour the significance of traditional medicine in Africa and to encourage its incor­poration into all of the continent’s national health systems.

According to the council, 70–80 per cent of people use herbal medicines as their major source of healthcare, making them the most widely used type of traditional medicine.

As to Section 9 of the TMPC Act, 2000 (Act 575), it is impermissible for an individual to manufacture herbal medicine for commercial purposes or run a business as a practitioner without first register­ing with the council.

In order to enhance public safety when administering herbal medications, it is crucial that herb­al practitioners follow the Council’s recommendations and renew or ob­tain licenses from the organisation.

This is due to the fact that regulated practice would improve and promote the THPs’ meaningful participation in primary healthcare operations.

Most importantly, for millions of people, particularly in rural areas, traditional medicine and THPs are essential parts of the healthcare field.

Additionally, obtaining a license before practice will be extremely beneficial to herbalists as it will spare them from the harsh conse­quences of breaking the law.

The Spectator concurs with the Council that making safe and effective traditional medicines available could play a significant role in expanding access to health­care services, as one-third of the population does not have access to vital medications.

Without a doubt, this will have a significant positive impact on Gha­naians’ health and wellbeing.

Whatever it may be, traditional medicine is here to stay and will continue to play a significant role in the healthcare systems of many communities, so the correct proto­cols must be followed to guarantee everyone’s safety.