'40 hospitals have integrated traditional medicine units, to be covered by NHIS' — Health minister highlights progress

The government has announced fresh plans to integrate traditional and herbal medicine into Ghana’s mainstream healthcare delivery system as part of efforts to diversify and strengthen the nation’s health services.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said the initiative forms part of a broader policy to attract investment and promote collaboration in the development of traditional medicine. He disclosed that a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ghana and China is a major step toward expanding research, training, and production in the herbal medicine sector.

Speaking during a courtesy call by leaders of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, Mr. Akandoh said traditional and herbal medicine play an important role in public health but face persistent challenges related to standardization, quality assurance, and contract manufacturing.

He stressed that the Ministry of Health is committed to introducing and enforcing stringent regulatory measures to ensure that all herbal products on the market meet acceptable scientific and safety standards.

“Traditional and herbal medicine have enormous potential, but there must be order and credibility in the system. We are working to sanitize the sector and strengthen regulation so that the public can have confidence in the safety and efficacy of herbal products,” he said.

The Minister revealed that although traditional and herbal medicines have not yet been included in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), active discussions are underway to make that a reality.

“We have not reached the stage where traditional medicines are covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme, but we’re getting there. A proposal has already been presented, and at the moment, about 40 hospitals across the country have integrated traditional medicine units,” Mr. Akandoh explained.

“At these facilities, patients can receive both orthodox and traditional treatments. The goal is to expand this model nationwide so that traditional medicine becomes a fully recognized and trusted part of Ghana’s healthcare delivery system,” he added.

The government’s renewed focus on traditional and herbal medicine aligns with the global trend of integrating indigenous healing systems into modern healthcare — a move expected to boost local industry, create jobs, and enhance access to holistic treatment for Ghanaians.