How dynamism in medicine is impacting on health delivery

Most pharmaceutical and synthetic medicines are manufactured, marketed according to the principles of allopathic medicine. Allopathic medicine is also sometimes called orthodox medicine. Allopathic medicine refers to medical practice that is evidence-based medicine or modern medicine. Because most people have grown up in societies where allopathic medicine is the prevailing norm, we forget that only a few decades ago herbal and other natural medicines were common and freely used by conventional or trained doctors. Conventional doctors are people who have been trained and certified to carry out the medical profession. Although there are often heated debates among the local population about which system of medicine is better, many responsible doctors (whether they are allopathic or not) recognise that both have a role to play in the treatment program. Natural medicine or use of plant, animal extracts has in past been frowned on by conventional doctors, especially those who lacked sufficient information about these extractions. However, it is encouraging to note that some health training institutions have started to offer training or educate people on the importance of herb medications and other extracts from plants. This is a big advancement in medical management as it provides doctors with a wider range of treatment options. In some of the industrialised countries like India, China, and Japan where many of pharmaceutical drugs, especially those used in Africa are manufactured, natural or herbal medications are commonly prescribed by conventional doctors and represent a significant part of the total annual drug sales. Another branch of medical practice is naturopathy just like allopathy. Naturopathy operates according to the underlying philosophy that the body has an innate capacity to heal itself. While natural medicines are often called ‘alternative’ or ‘complimentary’ medicines, they are in fact a unique and independent form of medicine on their own right and able to treat a variety of conditions. Most naturopaths will use a variety of treatment modalities in order to treat their patients in a holistic way to support health, relieve symptoms and prevent future disease. Perhaps the term ‘holistic’ medicine is more apt given the broad range of treatment options and approaches which are to be found within the practice of natural medicine that encompasses many different medical disciplines like herbalism, homeopathy, osteopathy, chiropractic, therapeutic massage techniques, aromatherapy, acupuncture and others. Even the World Health Organisation defines health as being more than simply the absence of illness. It is the active state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being. This provides clear description of holistic or natural medicine that strives to support health by relieving or preventing symptoms rather than simply eliminating disease. Although allopathic medicine certainly has a role to play and has made a tremendous contribution to medical science during the recent century, there is a growing perception that it is not the only answer and that in many cases, holistic medicine can accomplish just as much if not more without the risk of drug side effects. Contrary to common perception, and provided that they are manufactured in the correct way, natural medicines can work quickly and safely to promote healing. In many cases, they can succeed where pharmaceutical drugs have failed. Despite frequent reports that they are ‘unproven’ and ‘untested’, the opposite is true. Natural medicines have a long history of usage and there is a wealth of empirical evidence to support their effectiveness and safety. In addition, active clinical research is carried out by many academic hospitals and universities to support the extensive traditional and empirical evidence behind natural medicines. It is also important to know that like any medicine, herbal and homeopathic medicines must be manufactured in the correct way. Acceptable procedures and manufacturing methods should follow correctly to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety. Due to the recent rise in popularity of natural remedies, many companies have sprung up to take advantage of the market. This has greatly improved quality of medications produced due to increased competitiveness on the market. Dr Joseph Kamugishais a resident oncologist in Jerusalem, Israel

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How dynamism in medicine is impacting on health delivery