National President of the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Associations (GHAFTRAM), Mr Kojo Odum Eduful has confirmed that some herbal drugs submitted to the Food and Drugs Authority for clinical trials, could be used as an immune booster for COVID -19 patients.
He said the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine which is an institution for research into herbal medicine in Mampong Akuapem, has confirmed that 9 out of the 33 drugs submitted have been tipped as potential immune boosters.
“It is true; the Centre has told us that 9 of the drugs can be used to boost the immune system and so we are hopeful that it would serve that purpose when it is approved”.
According to him, the required processes in producing the drugs were duly followed and results of the confirmed drugs have been submitted to the health ministry for further action to be taken.
‘We had steps to follow and we did that through the minister of health. The report has been sent back to him and so we are waiting for the outcome of their responses on the drugs”.
President of the Association noted that they are waiting on the ministry to also include them in the committee the minster has set, “ so as to join in discussions to help ascertain the way forward on the drugs”.
He however said that the drugs could only be confirmed to cure the COVID-19 virus unless it has been tested on patients affected with the virus.
Dr. Anthony Mensah, earlier on cautioned the public against consuming traditional or herbal medicines that do not meet the required standards of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). According to him, “some people with the intention of boosting their immune system against Covid19 have heedlessly taken to the preparation and consumption of numerous herbs which may rather lead to complications than boosting the immune system.”
Notwithstanding the deviations in the practice and usage of traditional medicine, Dr. Asamoah commended the efforts the rest of the world is making towards the improvement of traditional medicine stating that “it is a step in the right direction considering the significant recognition traditional medicine has gained in the wake of the Covid19 pandemic.”
SOURCE: Enock Acheampong/ATLFM NEWS
