In what they called a momentous meeting, various stakeholders recently engaged with the management of Sebokeng Hospital wherein they discussed the possibilities of a collaboration of western medicine practitioners and traditional medicine practitioners.

The initiative will make it possible to work together in the best interest of the patient. The stakeholders present at the meeting were Sedibeng District Health, eNet Health, as well as the Homeopathic Association of South Africa (HSA), and various interested parties.

Speaking about the engagement, HSA president Dr. Bianca de Canha said the objective of the meeting was to navigate a future and 2030 vision of creating a space where conventional medicine and systems of care are complemented by African Traditional Medicine, Homeopathy and other complementary healthcare systems.

“Like-minded individuals engaged in opportunities for collaboration and growth. Through collaboration, this team of committed healthcare professionals will bring greater health outcomes and wellness to the patient with healthcare options that align with their cultural beliefs.”

Dr Lefa Hlopho from eNet Health said the engagement was the first of many to come as the collaboration was not a done deal. Hlopho stated that the collaboration would assist in eliminating traditional health practitioner malpractice as it would help govern how traditional health practitioners harvest their traditional medicines and distribute them to patients.

Hlopho said that the initiative which was endorsed by the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, would begin at clinics and ensure that members of the community do not end up in hospital. Hlopho said that he was looking forward to getting positive feedback following the meeting. Present at the engagement was Sicelo Councillor Lillian Molakeng.

Molakeng was the first patient to ask for the assistance of traditional healers in connecting her with her ancestors while she was still admitted at Sebokeng Hospital. Molakeng was involved in a gruesome car accident. Talking to Sedibeng Ster, Molakeng said she was making a tremendous recovery just three months after her accident, having undergone eight operations.

Molakeng attributed her quick recovery to the hospital doctors and nurses, as well as traditional practitioners who helped her with the process of Ukuphahla.
“I am currently attending physiotherapy and I believe that very soon I’ll be able to walk by myself.”