Integration of traditional and alternative medicine into routine health care delivery system in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ashanti Region, Ghana
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Date
SEPTEMBER, 2019
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Abstract
Introduction
Traditional and alternative medicine development in Ghana has undergone a lot of transformation
despite its challenges. Currently, the significance and integration of traditional and alternative
medicine into routine healthcare delivery cannot be underestimated within the healthcare industry
in Ghana. Therefore, the need to explore lessons learnt from the integration of TAM into routine
health care delivery system in Kumasi Metropolis, Ashanti Region, Ghana.
Methods
The study was qualitative using exploratory cross-sectional study design to measure views and
experience of TAM integration, challenges of TAM and suggestion to overcome challenges. The
data were collected from 20 Providers and 30 Clients using a semi-structured interview guide. The
data were analyzed thematically facilitated by manual analysis.
Results
The providers and clients were of the view that, the gap between allopathic and Herbal medicine
practice should be bridged to enhance easy access to healthcare. They were of the view that herbal
medicines should be listed onto the NHIS Scheme for healthcare delivery. Majority of providers
and clients indicated that resource constraints, inadequate manpower development and
sensitization were major challenges with the integration of TAM into routine healthcare delivery
system. Most of the providers and clients suggested that adequate resources for the herbal units of
the hospitals, sensitization of the public as well as healthy collaboration between herbal
practitioners and orthodox medical practitioners as practical ways of addressing challenges
confronting TAM integration.ix
Conclusion
The study unraveled several benefits with integration of TAM into routine healthcare delivery.
However, resource constraints and inadequate collaboration between herbal and orthodox
practitioners were identified as critical impediments to TAM integration into routine healthcare
delivery system. The study therefore recommended that government and all other relevant
stakeholders should provide adequate resources (human and material) for the herbal units, effective
sensitization and education on the use of herbal medicine and efforts to bridge the gap between
orthodox and herbal medicine.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Health Policy, Management and
Economics, College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Master of Public Health
Degree in Health Services Planning and Management.
Keywords
Traditional and alternate medicine, Routine health care delivery system, Kumasi metropolis, Ashanti region, Ghana