Deputy Health Minister calls for scientific validation of herbal medicines

Deputy Minister for Health, Hon. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has underscored the importance of research and scientific validation in ensuring that herbal and plant-based medicines meet the required standards of safety and quality before they are made available to the public.

She said rigorous laboratory testing, quality control and scientific assessment were necessary to establish the safety, quality and efficacy of plant-based medicinal products and to strengthen public confidence in their use.

Hon. Ayensu-Danquah made the remarks during a working visit to the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR), where she toured key laboratory and production facilities and was briefed on the Centre’s research, testing, quality assurance and production activities.

She visited the Microbiology Laboratory, Haematology and Biochemistry rooms, Drugs Analysis Office, Pharmaceutics and Quality Control Laboratory, as well as the Production Unit.

The Deputy Minister said institutions such as the CPMR play an important role in promoting evidence-based research and innovation while supporting the development of safe, quality and locally produced healthcare solutions.

She stressed that strengthening the Centre’s research and laboratory capacity would contribute to the Ministry of Health’s broader efforts to improve healthcare delivery and promote locally developed solutions.

Hon. Ayensu-Danquah also commended the researchers and technical staff for their work and encouraged continued investment in scientific research to unlock the potential of Ghana’s plant-based medicinal resources.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith