Involvement of Traditional Medical Practitioners in Primary Health Care

Abstract

An essential pre-requisite for collaboration between TMPP and the modern health system is understanding and fostering a mutual respect for each others systems. Health authorities should adopt clear policies towards formal recognition of all categories of TMPP including unrecognized categories of traditional practitioners as important providers of health care, especially in rural areas of Sri Lanka. To develop at MOH/DHO level a health monitoring and health information system containing necessary basic information about the TMPP in the respective areas. The TMPP should be involved in the delivery of PHC programme of the ministry of health Sri Lanka. They should be given a course of training that will enable them to meet the health needs of the people more effectively. Further research is needed to determine people's level of confidence in traditional and folk medicine and their practitioners. The health seeking behavior of different socio-cultural groups current utilization of TMPP by the community. Factors that influence community acceptance or rejection of different medical systems. Cost effectiveness of involvement of TMPP in PHC content of training required for different categories of TMPP. To determine the proper mix of traditional and modern medicine in the team approach to PHC. Continuous evaluation and monitoring of the performance of TMPP in PHC.PHC should be further determined through pilot studies attitude towards the collaborating with traditional practitioners determine the specific nature of TMPP actual contribution towards solving rural health problems