Herbal Specialist Warns Against Self-Medication, Advocates for Herbal Medicine Coverage Under NHIS

On World Glaucoma Day 2025, Dr. Akosua Adu-Ayaa, CEO of Power Specialist Herbal Hospital, has urged Ghanaians to prioritize their eye health by seeking regular check-ups at hospitals to prevent glaucoma and other vision-related diseases.

She cautioned against the growing trend of self-medication, where individuals purchase unprescribed eye drops and foreign medicines from roadside vendors, believing they can cure eye diseases.

“If you delay treatment at home and rely on foreign medicines without a doctor’s prescription, you are putting your eyesight at serious risk. The best approach is to visit a recognized herbal or government hospital, where specialists can provide the right treatment for glaucoma,” she warned.

Dr. Adu-Ayaa emphasized that glaucoma, if not detected early, could lead to permanent blindness. She encouraged Ghanaians to have confidence in herbal medicine, as it provides effective treatment when administered by certified practitioners.

Challenges Facing Herbal Medicine Practitioners

Dr. Adu-Ayaa also highlighted challenges confronting herbal medicine practitioners in Ghana, particularly the lack of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) coverage for herbal treatments.

“It is unfair that foreign drugs are covered by NHIS, while herbal medicines are not. Many patients who prefer herbal treatment struggle to afford it. The government must take urgent steps to include herbal medicine in health insurance to make healthcare accessible for all,” she stated.

She further appealed to the government to eliminate high taxes on herbal medicines, arguing that they increase costs and limit access to affordable treatment.

The Impact of Galamsey on Herbal Medicine

Dr. Adu-Ayaa also raised concerns about the negative impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on herbal medicine practice in Ghana. She explained that herbalists rely on natural plants for their medicines, but illegal mining and excessive pesticide use in farming have severely affected the availability of medicinal plants.

“Many of the herbs we use to treat patients are being destroyed due to chemicals sprayed on farmlands. This is a serious challenge for herbal practitioners,” she lamented.

She also warned about the dangers of abandoned galamsey pits, which have led to accidents involving herbalists searching for medicinal plants in the wild.

“Some of our practitioners have fallen into these uncovered pits while looking for herbs. I urge miners to take responsibility by covering these pits to prevent unnecessary deaths,” she pleaded.

A Call to Action

Dr. Akosua Adu-Ayaa called on the public to be proactive about their eye health by seeking professional medical attention rather than relying on self-medication. She also urged the government to recognize the importance of herbal medicine by integrating it into NHIS and supporting its growth in Ghana.

As the world observes Glaucoma Awareness Day, her message serves as a strong reminder for Ghanaians to prioritize their eye health and advocate for herbal medicine’s inclusion in national healthcare policies.

Story by Sibo Yamoah