Synergy between indigenous knowledge systems, modern health care system and scientific research – a vision for the 21st century

Fhumulani Mavis Mulaudzi

doi:10.4102/hsag.v6i4.80

Abstract

Research already conducted in African countries indicates that the majority of patients still seek help from the traditional indigenous health care systems.  Opsomming Navorsing wat reeds in Afrika-lande onderneem is, dui aan dat die meerderheid pasiënte steeds hulp soek vanaf die tradisioneel inheemse gesondheidsorgsisteme.  *Please note: This is a reduced version of the abstract. Please refer to PDF for full text.

Highlights

The integration of South Africa into the global community is considered as an indication that South Africa and other Third World countries have to learn and adopt the so-called global standards
While not undermining the contribution of western medicine, the power of African medicine has led to the birth of new conceptualisations in medicine
One of the subjects of focus in primary health care is how to establish a synergy between indigenous knowledge systems, modern medicine and scientific research

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The integration of South Africa into the global community is considered as an indication that South Africa and other Third World countries have to learn and adopt the so-called global standards. Since this phenomenon of healing has outlived some of the laws that were meant to demonise it, our present objective should be exploring the possibilities, merits and demerits of traditional and modern medicine working in tandem In this way, traditional healers would be protected from exploitation. The Health Portfolio Committee of the national assembly of South African Parliament has been looking into a possible integrative model in medical care for South Africa and the advantages and disadvantages thereof Another recommendation was the legalisation of the profession by forming a statutory council. All this is well, but until the need for a synergy between traditional healers, modern doctors and scientists is recognised, providing health care for all will never be fully achieved. Record, standardise and organise indigenous knowledge is important

OBJECTIVES

Findings

CONCLUSION