MOU SIGNED TO BOLSTER GHANA’S PLANT-BASED MEDICINE EXPORT PARTNERSHIP
The Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Export Barbados and the University of West Indies to enhance Ghana’s export of plant-based medicines, aiming for economic advancement.
Under this agreement, the Centre will cultivate medicinal plants from Barbados in Ghana and safeguard them for the country’s benefit. This initiative intends to assist Barbados in regaining these plants should they face any threats in their native environment.
Export Barbados will facilitate the distribution of Ghanaian herbal medicines to the Caribbean region.
Representing Barbados, Rosalind Luke-Harrison, the Financial Attache of the Barbados High Commission, signed the MoU. Signing on behalf of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill in Barbados, was Damian Cohall, PhD, the Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences. Prof. Alex Asase, the Executive Director of CPMR, initialed the agreement on behalf of the Centre.
MINISTER OF HEALTH PAYS A WORKING VISIT TO CENTRE FOR PLANT MEDICINE RESEARCH
The Minister of Health, Dr. Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, today paid a working visit to the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) in Mampong-Akuapem. During his visit, the minister was briefed on the latest research findings and ongoing projects at the centre.
The Centre was commended for its efforts in developing traditional plant medicine for the treatment of various diseases. He noted that traditional medicine plays a critical role in Ghana’s health care system and stressed the need for more investment in research and development in this area.
An inauguration ceremony for the clinic’s expansion was also held during his visit.
The minister also interacted with staff and researchers at the centre and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and research institutions in improving health care delivery in the country.
In his remarks, the Director of the Centre for Plant Medicine Research, Prof.Alex Asase emphasized the need for sustainable funding for research and development in traditional plant medicine. He also highlighted the need for more training and capacity building programs for traditional herbal practitioners in order to improve the quality and safety of traditional medicine practices.
COVID-19 NATIONAL TRUST FUND
On June 9th, 2022, the COVID-19 National Trust Fund convened at the COVID-19 Command Operations room in the Jubilee House, Accra. During this session, an agreement was formalized to allocate GHc1.8 million to the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR). This funding is specifically earmarked for the development of herbal products designed to combat the SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 viruses.
The financial assistance is intended to facilitate the Centre’s advancement in conducting further pre-clinical studies on two novel products, namely Immunim and Ampoforte. Notably, these products have already obtained registration from the FDA. Additionally, six other medical plant extracts will undergo evaluation to determine their pre-clinical efficacy against the virus. Furthermore, the funding will support the preparation of immune support and anti-viral products tailored to combat COVID-19.
This initiative underscores a collaborative effort between the government’s COVID-19 National Trust Fund and the Centre for Plant Medicine Research. It reflects a proactive approach in harnessing the potential of herbal medicine to contribute to the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Through rigorous research and development supported by this financial backing, the Centre aims to make significant strides in the development of effective and accessible treatments against COVID-19.
SATURDAY CLINIC AT CPMR
The Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) resumed its Saturday Clinical Services starting from June 6th, 2020, operating from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. This resumption marked a significant step in providing accessible healthcare services to the community, demonstrating CPMR’s commitment to holistic healthcare and herbal medicine.
The services offered during these Saturday Clinical sessions encompass a wide range of healthcare provisions to cater to the diverse needs of patients. This includes consultation services where patients can receive expert guidance and advice from healthcare professionals regarding their health concerns. Additionally, the availability of diagnostic and laboratory services ensures thorough and accurate assessment of health conditions, facilitating prompt diagnosis and treatment.
One of the distinguishing features of CPMR’s Saturday Clinical Services is the Herbal Pharmacy, where patients have access to a variety of herbal remedies tailored to address various health issues. This highlights CPMR’s expertise in herbal medicine and its dedication to providing natural and effective healthcare solutions. Moreover, nutritional and dietary consultations are offered to promote overall health and well-being, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet in maintaining optimal health.
By offering Saturday Clinical Services, CPMR aims to make healthcare more accessible and convenient for the community, accommodating individuals who may have busy weekday schedules. This initiative not only underscores CPMR’s role as a leading healthcare provider but also reinforces the message that herbal medicine is a viable and natural choice for addressing healthcare needs.
Overall, the resumption of Saturday Clinical Services at CPMR signifies a holistic approach to healthcare delivery, encompassing traditional herbal remedies, modern diagnostics, and expert consultations to support the well-being of individuals and communities.
Centre for Plant Medicine recommends 9 herbal products as immune boosters
The Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine (CSRPM) in Mampong-Akuapem has identified nine herbal medicines as potential immune support and supportive treatments for alleviating symptoms associated with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
These recommended products include COA FS, Herbetine Herbal Powder, Herbetine Herbal Mixture, Viva Plus Powder, Ayisaa Opinto Herbal Tea, CD Capsules, Amen Depomix Powder, Amen Fevermix Capsules, and Amen Chestico Capsules.
The selection of these medicines followed a rigorous evaluation process, during which 33 herbal products submitted by the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Associations (GHAFTRAM) were assessed for their efficacy in managing COVID-19 symptoms.
A letter dated May 11, 2020, accompanied the report detailing the preliminary evaluation findings and recommendations for these herbal products. Signed by the acting Executive Director of the centre, Dr. Kofi Bobi Barimah, the letter was addressed to the Minister of Health, Mr. Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, with copies sent to the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, the Director of Traditional and Alternative Medicine Directorate, and the President of GHAFTRAM.