Traditional medicine, China�s modest treasure

Doctors from the Chinese Traditional Medicine Hospital
Doctors from the Chinese Traditional Medicine Hospital

The stink of traditional herbs and what smelled like marijuana (to those familiar with the smell) greeted African journalists invited by the Chinese Government a good distance before reaching this beehive of a hospital. Staff Writer MPHO MOKWAPE tagged along and now shares her experience of ‘China’s Traditional Medicine Hospital’, the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, the biggest of its kind in China

Batswana remember vividly the Palapye woman herbalist who was roasted and ridiculed for declaring that she had found a medicinal plant that can cure HIV/AIDS. Many were quick to dismiss her “claim” and the Government’s slow move to respond to her claims was a clear sign of doubt. Are we failing as a nation to recognise our very own treasure? It is a question that will remain unanswered for decades to come.

The Government could be blamed for not doing enough to tap into the country’s rich indigenous herbs and methods used by our forefathers to heal ailments. But while the nation is still being too dismissive and skeptical about people who claim to have found cures using local herbs, China is tapping into its traditional treasure, traditional herbs and healing methods with good effect.

Editor's Comment
Stakeholders must step up veggie supply

The Ministry of Agriculture, local producers, retailers, and industry associations must work together to overcome the obstacles hindering vegetable production and distribution.This collaborative approach is essential to improve the availability, quality, and affordability of vegetables in the market.Firstly, the Ministry of Agriculture should provide support and guidance to local farmers to enhance their productivity and efficiency. This could...

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