In Practice
The decolonialisation of medicine in South Africa: Threat or opportunity?
Malcolm de Roubaix
Abstract
The South African Traditional Health Practitioners Act 22 of 2007 is now fait accompli. The Act has been promulgated and the Department of Health (DoH) is proceeding with its implementation. An Interim Traditional Health Practitioners Council and a dedicated DoH deputy director have been appointed, the appointment of a registrar is being finalised, and the DoH has conducted a roadshow to introduce the Act and its implications to groups of traditional health practitioners (THPs) countrywide. The objective is eventual formalisation and professionalisation of THP practice to provide appropriate primary healthcare services through co-operation with biomedical service providers. Biomedical practitioners should understand the provisions of Act 22, and how this may affect their own practices.
Author's affiliations
Malcolm de Roubaix, Centre for Medical Ethics and Law, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre for Applied Ethics, Department of Philosophy, Stellenbosch University, Western Cape, South Africa
Keywords
Traditional health practitioners; Act 22 of 2007; Co-operation with biomedical practitioners
Article History
Date submitted: 2015-11-23
Date published: 2016-01-12
Article Views
Abstract views: 3067
Full text views: 1287
Comments on this article
*Read our policy for posting comments
here
Comments on this article
*Read our policy for posting comments here