The Mpumalanga MEC for Health, Sasekani Manzini, inaugurated the provincial Traditional Health Practitioners’ (THPs) Forum at the Nhlazatshe 4 community hall in Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality (CALM) on Tuesday May 7.
The forum aims to foster a healthy working relationship between the health department and THP, ultimately improving healthcare services in the province.
The Acting Executive Mayor of Chief Albert Luthuli, Cllr Gugu Zulu, emphasised the importance of recognizing the valuable work done by traditional health practitioners within communities.
MEC Manzini stressed the need for THPs to collaborate with the health department, particularly in promoting clinic visits for healthcare needs. She mentioned the training of some THPs in the eHlanzeni District to use blood pressure machines, emphasizing their role in primary healthcare.
“As part of the launch, each forum member received a blood pressure machine to aid in their services. She urged for THPs to be integrated into the formal healthcare system, highlighting their potential to alleviate health issues and encourage community members to seek medical assistance when necessary,” she said
The event featured various activities to accommodate traditional health practitioners, ensuring their recognition and importance in the healthcare landscape. The forum’s establishment signifies a significant step towards integrating traditional healing practices with modern healthcare services in Mpumalanga.
