The Deputy Minister of Health Dr Gwen Ramokgopa attended the launch of the World Health Organisation Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014 to 2023 in Macau, China. The strategy was launched by the Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Margaret Chan. At this ceremony, the Deputy Minister presented the South African progress report on Traditional Medicines: Advances in Policy, Institutionalisation, Research and Development.
The Traditional Medicine programme is, among other objectives, there to ensure patients safety and discourage the dangerous, ineffective traditional remedies and treatments. Furthermore, the programme supports and promotes those medicinal products that are of good quality, safe and effective.
Traditional Medicines complements National Health Systems and must continue to be validated through scientific interventions and protected from the unscrupulous practices, hence the following were achieved:
- Traditional Health Practitioners Council was launched in February this year, for regulation of African Traditional Health Practitioners;
- The Allied Health Professions Council was appointed for regulation of Complementary Medicine Practitioners;
- National Drug Policy of 1996 stipulates utilisation of Essential Herbal Medicines List;
- Medicines are regulated within the context of Medicines Substance Control Act of 1965.
The Medicine Control Council (MCC) formally recognises Traditional Medicines and has begun a process towards its regulatory framework. Moreover, a reference centre for African Traditional Medicines has been initiated with the Medical Research Council (MRC) and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) as Co-secretariats. This centre is responsible for conducting research; development of ethics for the research and practice; promotion of education and awareness; and assessment and validation of clinical claims for cures and health benefits.
The Department of Trade and Industry assists with the promotion of micro and small business enterprises on development and commercialisation of traditional medicines. SEDA as an entity of Trade and Industry is tasked with this activity. The Department of Environmental Affairs is also mandated to protect the exploitation of our natural biodiversity through enactment of the National Environmental Management Bio-diversity Act 10 of 2004.
Enquiries:
Khutso Rabothata
Cell: 072 992 7171
Tel: 012 395 8481
