Herbalists want law to regulate their work

By Petride Mudoola

TRADITIONAL healers and Herbalists have asked parliament to enact a law to regulate their activities, the National Council of Traditional healers and Herbalists Association (NACOTHA) Secretary General Dr Karim Musasizi has advised.

“The traditional healers’ services are the most accessible to majority of Ugandans. Unfortunately, there is no law to regulate traditional medicine which has affected their activities,” Musasizi said.

Musasizi made this remarks in a press conference while addressing journalists at Media Centre on Thursday.

According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that over 60% of Ugandans seek medical attention from Traditional Healers. This pattern cuts across all social classes and educational levels.

Musasizi noted that with such statistics, it is inconceivable that the country has no national policy to regulate the activities of the traditional healers.

He noted that Ministry of Health drafted a policy to regulate and improve research in Traditional Medicine in 2008; however, this policy has not been finalized to date yet there is need to regulate their work.

There is need to formulate a policy to track, regulate traditional medicine this includes intensive research in traditional medicines to ensure proper determination and monitoring of drug safety he suggested.

Musasizi said traditional medicine highlights the importance of prevention, maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It contributes to improving the quality of life of those who suffer from minor illnesses or from certain incurable diseases.

He added that there is need for preservation of the medicinal plants against extinction. Relevant medical training should also be offered to traditional healers.

Musasizi calls upon health authorities to support the organization because it has contributed   towards fighting for the cause of African traditional medicine.