Qi flows from Beijing to Gaborone (Part 3)

Commenting on the status of indigenous medicine in the country, University of Botswana’s microbiologist Professor Kerstin Andrea-Marobela says traditional medical systems do form a vital part of primary healthcare, which is used by all sections of society.

However, the fact that the traditional healing profession is not legally recognised, prevents open collaboration.  “Referral from healers to clinics do take place, and unofficially also in some cases from clinics to traditional healers,” Marobela says.  From research, she says it appears Batswana prefer to have pluralistic health choices.  For some conditions one would visit a clinic, while for others one would prefer to consult a traditional healer.  She views integrating both regimes a farfetched call.