Harare, (New Ziana)-The Zimbabwe government is working to formalize the use of traditional medicines by encouraging registration and integration into the mainstream health system, a senior official has said.
Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini said this while responding to a question in the National Assembly this week.
“We have qualified knowledgeable people who can use allopathic or traditional medicines, which are known by our ancestors, and make it into modern medication through our qualified young people,” he said.
Kwidini said communities hold valuable knowledge on herbs that can be turned into safe and standardized medicines if properly guided.
He however expressed concern over the growing number of unregistered herbal clinics, warning that they pose a threat to public health.
“All people who sell alternative medicines must be registered under the Ministry of Health and Child Care. It is unfortunate that most of our people are going to clinics that are not registered,” he said.
Kwidini urged traditional practitioners to register with the Traditional Medical Practitioners Council to ensure proper oversight and urged Members of Parliament to report unlicensed operators.
“We are encouraging MPs to ensure that all these flourishing clinics have attained what is recommended for them to operate,” he said.
There has been a growing use of herbal remedies across the country as high costs of medical care and drugs are turning many citizens to traditional practitioners and faith healers.
Under the Traditional Medical Practitioners Council, licensed healers can operate unhindered and are expected to follow national health guidelines.
Kwidini said the Ministry of Health and Child Care was also working with researchers to explore the medicinal value of local herbs, with the aim of developing scientifically tested remedies that can contribute to the national pharmaceutical strategy.
He reiterated that uncertified medicines pose dosage risks and stressed the need for public education to prevent purchasing uncertified remedies.
“Medicines without proper dosage end up causing a lot of diseases, for example, cancer, among others. Hence, we are encouraging people to desist from buying medicines that are not certified and also that are not sold at the designated points,” said Kwidini.
New Ziana
