Traditional healers call for improved referral pathways, co

Traditional healers, who say patients they refer to public clinics can fall through the cracks because the two health systems don’t communicate effectively, are calling for better mutual synchronicity and collaboration, reports Health-e News .

Nozuko Nkunzi, a traditional health practitioner from Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape, says South Africa’s plans to integrate traditional medicine into the public healthcare system will mean little without a clear referral pathway.

“Traditional health practitioners are expected to refer patients into the public health system, yet there are no clear referral pathways, shared protocols or practical training on how practitioners from the two knowledge systems should work collaboratively,” she says.

Her concerns come after South Africa marked African Traditional Medicine Day on 31 August, with the Department of Health highlighting the role of traditional medicine in the country’s healthcare system.