NDA, DIT unveils assessment and training package for the occupation of herbalists.

National Drug Authority (NDA) through a partnership with the Directorate of Industrial training ( DIT) has finalised the assessment and training package for the occupation of herbalists that has included the occupation under DIT quality assurance programmes.

The herbalists training package will enable a combination of herbal medicine with science by practitioners to sustain the development of new and existing herbal medicine, fight fake medicine, provide information, reduce unethical advertising among others.

During the launch of the assessment and training package for herbalists on Friday 30th April 2021 at Imperial Royale hotel, David Mwesigwa who represented the Secretary NDA, said that the new training package for herbalists will go along way in providing safe and cost effective medicine on Ugandan market which he said will reduce the effect of fake and substandard products in the health care systems.

“National Drug Authority, together with DIT and Ministry of Health will deliver safe, quality, and cost effective medicine on market. Substandard and fake herbal products affect the quality of health care delivery and must be stopped” he said

He added that in order to build confidence and protect the vulnerable population, there is need to harness the contribution of traditional by integrating it in the health system, Skilling the practitioners and being vigilant through all processes including supply chain, planting, processing among others.

The Acting Director, DIT, Patrick Byakatonda urged the herbal medicine practitioners to protect their business against unscrupulous individuals following their valuable contribution to the development of the assessment and training package for the occupation of herbalists.

He added that the training will help address the challenges herbalists and NDA face including lack of skilled workforce, lack of information, poor packaging, unethical advertising among others.

The Director, Chemotherapeutic Research Institute, Dr Grace Nmbatya said highlighted that following accreditation by DIT to train herbalist occupation on their behalf, other partners including development partners, and other government entities need to be brought in board to fund the scientists to acquire skills and sustain the practice.

Dr Sadam Rashid Lukwago, pictured above, a long time herbal practitioner said that there is need to bring back the trust of he people towards herbal medicine which he said is being attributed to witchcraft. He applauded the move of NDA and DIT that has recognized the role herbal medicine in the sub sector while urging fellow actioners to embrace the training.

The National Drug Authority is a government-owned organisation in Uganda, mandated to regulate drugs in the country, including their manufacture, importation, distribution, and licensing.

The authority ensures the availability, at all times, of essential, efficacious and cost effective drugs to the entire population of Uganda.