Notes on the Role of Traditional Medicine in Modern Healthcare System

Introduction

• Welcome Address : Warm welcome to distinguished guests and panelists.
• Theme: The role of traditional medicine in modern healthcare.

Panelists Introduced

1. Prof Mamza Motibe

   • Associate Professor, HOD Pharmacology at Rose University.
   • Over 20 years of experience in teaching pharmacology and traditional medicine.
   • Research focus: Pharmacology/toxicology of medicinal plants in African traditional medicine.
   • Advocates for coexistence of traditional and modern medicine.

2. Prof Neba Galeni

   • Research Professor at University of KwaZulu-Natal.
   • Expertise in immunology and traditional medicine.
   • Worked on integrating traditional healers into the healthcare system.

3. Mr Daniel Dima

   • CEO of Cape Bio Technologies.
   • Focus on structural biology and biotechnology, promoting responsible entrepreneurship.

Key Discussion Points from Presentations

Prof Mamza Motibe's Presentation

• Concurrent Use of Traditional and Conventional Medicine
  • Focused on perceptions and realities in South Africa.
  • Traditional medicine used across socio-economic groups, ages, and regions.
  • Patients use traditional medicine either for specific conditions or general health maintenance.
  • Patients often do not disclose traditional medicine use to healthcare providers due to fear of negative reception.
  • Need for improved communication between healthcare workers and patients.
  • Calls for policy development for better integration of traditional medicine into public healthcare.

Prof Neba Galeni's Presentation

• Developing Solutions for Priority Diseases Using Indigenous Knowledge
  • Discussed pandemics in South Africa: HIV, TB, diabetes, etc.
  • Emphasis on collaboration between traditional healers and modern healthcare systems.
  • Highlighted the need for research into the efficacy of traditional remedies.
  • Described the research process of testing traditional remedies for effectiveness against diseases.

Mr Daniel Dima's Presentation

• Leveraging Fourth Industrial Revolution for Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)
  • Focus on integrating biotechnology and AI in the development of indigenous medicinal products.
  • Emphasized the importance of genomic data in advancing traditional medicine.

Panel Discussion and Q&A Highlights

• Integration of Traditional Medicine:
  • Need for better understanding and respect between traditional practitioners and health professionals.
  • Collaboration and communication are key to improving patient outcomes.
• Concerns About Patients Disclosing Traditional Medicine Use:
  • Many patients fear losing trust with healthcare providers.
  • Need for an open dialogue around the use of both traditional and modern medicine.
• Policy Development:
  • Call for regulatory frameworks in South Africa to recognize and formalize traditional medicine practices.
  • Importance of establishing databases for traditional medicine practices and products.
  • Challenges faced in the commercialization and integration of traditional medicine into health systems.

Conclusions

• Need for Ongoing Dialogue:
  • Continuous engagement between traditional healers and healthcare professionals is necessary.
  • The integration of traditional medicine into modern healthcare is critical for improving health outcomes.
  • Emphasis on further research and collaboration to validate and understand traditional medicine's efficacy.
• Final Remarks:
  • Acknowledgment of the rich knowledge systems and potential of traditional medicine in improving public health.