Bridging tradition and modern medicine: A unified approach to healthcare
As South Africa continues to navigate its way toward comprehensive healthcare for all, the integration of traditional medicine into modern medical practices is emerging as a crucial element of this journey. Traditional medicine, deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of South African society, has long been a primary source of healthcare for many, particularly in rural areas. With about 80% of Africa’s population relying on traditional medicine for their basic health needs, this practice is not only relevant but essential for meeting the diverse healthcare demands of the nation.
The practice of traditional medicine involves the use of natural remedies, either alone or in combination, to heal, diagnose, prevent, or manage illness. These remedies may include plants, minerals, spiritual practices, hands-on procedures, and exercises.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises the value of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (T&CM) across the globe. According to WHO, appropriately integrated T&CM can enhance health outcomes by increasing the availability of healthcare services, particularly at the primary care level. WHO’s efforts in this realm include the development of standards and benchmarks for the training and practice of various traditional medicine systems, as well as their evidence-based integration into the International Classification of Diseases (ICD).
Khula Natural Health Centre, a non-profit community upliftment project that provides primary healthcare services explained many of their patients at the Khula clinics in KwaZulu Natal, the Eastern Cape and Limpopo make use of a combination of complementary healthcare such as homeopathy and traditional medicine as well as attending government-run clinics. “This means we enjoy good relationships with both traditional medicine practitioners and the local clinics in the areas we operate in.”
They continued to say that this synergy is in the best interest of the patients, who are able to access a greater range of services in areas where healthcare options are very limited. “As an example of this in action, traditional practitioners regularly refer patients to us in cases where they may require a trained diagnostician.”
Khula further points out that countries like India have successfully achieved universal healthcare by including traditional and complementary medicines in their primary healthcare systems, achieving a favorable doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:834. In contrast, South Africa’s ratio is over 1:3000. By integrating traditional and complementary medicine into the mainstream healthcare system, South Africa could enhance primary healthcare, particularly in underserved rural areas, moving closer to universal health coverage.
However, there are still challenges to overcome when it comes to the integration. Lungisa Mntwini, a member of the One to One Africa organisation in the Eastern Cape, notes that even though people go to traditional practitioners, it is important to add primary healthcare facilities to the routine. To address this, he mentions that Community Healthcare Workers are able to play a vital role in bringing health literacy and bridging this gap by helping these individuals understand the benefits of also visiting primary healthcare facilities.
By embracing traditional and complementary medicine and working closely with local communities, South Africa can create a more inclusive and effective healthcare system, meeting both the cultural and medical needs of its people.