By James Kandoya ,
HERBAL practitioners from the Lake Zone have benefitted from training on safe processing of herbal medicines conducted by the Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA) to strengthen the traditional medicine sector.
Christopher Ngubiagai, Ukerewe district commissioner, said at the opening of the training over the weekend that the government recognizes the significant contribution of traditional healers in providing healthcare services.
The training is part of implementing the national health policy as it recognizes traditional and alternative medicine. “The government has brought in GCLA experts to ensure that herbal medicines are processed according to accepted standards, making them safe and of high quality capable of competing even in international markets,” he stated.
The initiative is also aimed at formalizing the traditional medicine sector and building the capacity of practitioners so they can be integrated into the formal healthcare system, enhancing their credibility and accountability in society, he said.
The training is linked to the National Development Vision 2050 as traditional medicine plays a key role in building a healthy nation, promoting a competitive economy based on local resources, and fostering innovation and employment.
Strengthening the sector will not only improve healthcare delivery but also unlock economic opportunities for practitioners, he said, underlining the need for adhering to safe processing principles.
These include maintaining hygiene in preparation environments, using correct dosage measurements, ensuring proper packaging and collaborating with health professionals to avoid harm to users, as failure to comply with standards could undermine public trust in traditional medicine, he pointed out.
Dr Fidelice Mafumiko, the chief government chemist, and Lake Zone manager John Wanjala, said the training brought together traditional and alternative medicine practitioners from Mara, Simiyu and Mwanza regions, equipping them with skills on proper preparation, processing and packaging of herbal medicines in line with safety and quality standards.
Participants were also taken through practical sessions on quality control, storage and labelling to ensure their products meet acceptable standards in both local and international markets.
GCLA aims to ensure that all medicines produced are safe, of high quality and competitive in local and international markets.
“Wherever traditional medicine practitioners are, GCLA will reach out with training and professional services to ensure they provide safe and quality services to the public,” he said.
Maneke Malegeli, the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Association (TAMESOT) secretary, thanked GCLA for the training, noting that it has improved practitioners’ understanding of best practices and will help distinguish genuine healers from fraudsters, while also expanding opportunities for market growth.
The government needs to sustain such capacity-building initiatives as they are essential in empowering practitioners to adopt modern techniques while preserving indigenous knowledge that has served communities for generations.
No comments :
Post a Comment