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News | Health Practice
New Regulations to Formalise Traditional Healing in South Africa
Time to read: 00:52 mins
Time to listen: 02:02 mins
Published on MedED: 11 November 2024
Type of article: News
MedED Catalogue Reference: MNG0058
Category: News
Category Cross-reference: Healthcare Practice
Keywords: Traditional Healers, HPCSA, Healthcare Practice
Top
Type of article: News
MedED Catalogue Reference: MNG0058
Category: News
Category Cross-reference: Healthcare Practice
Keywords: Traditional Healers, HPCSA, Healthcare Practice
Top
11 November 2024, 15:15
Around 70% of South Africans, particularly in rural areas, consult traditional healers before seeking medical treatment.
New regulations set to be enforced in 2025 will require these healers to register with the Interim Traditional Health Practitioners Council, much the same way as healthcare practitioners do with existing medical boards like the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
The new rules, based on the 2007 Traditional Health Practitioners Act, aim to standardise training, ensure compliance, and integrate traditional medicine into the formal healthcare system, ensuring mandatory training.
Whilst some traditional practitioners have expressed concerns over the costs of registration and fear that their practice may be forced to align to Western medical standards, the Health Department believes this formalisation will improve collaboration with medical professionals, enhance primary care, and align with WHO recommendations for integrating Indigenous knowledge.
Pilot studies have shown promising collaboration between traditional healers and clinics, particularly in HIV testing and referrals, advancing towards the 95-95-95 HIV treatment goals. However, achieving trust between conventional healthcare systems remains challenging, as historical power dynamics and scepticism persist. Effective partnerships will require open dialogue to leverage both systems for better patient outcomes.
The public comment period has ended, and traditional healers' registration will soon begin. Qualified practitioners must pay R1,000 for initial registration and R500 annually for renewal. Student healers will be charged R200 initially and R100 per year after. Tutors will pay a higher fee, with an initial payment of R5,000 and an annual renewal cost of R1,500.
This story was compiled from various resources including:
11 November 2024 | News24 | By 2025, traditional healers will likely be unable to practise without registration
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