Sh20b industry thrives amid controversy

By Mangoa Mosota

Herbal medicine is quickly taking root in Kenya.

It is estimated that this alternative medicine in Kenya is worth more than Sh20 billion.

In the past, this form of medication was for the poor in villages, but currently the rich in the urban centres are trooping to herbal clinics.

Many people have reportedly been healed using traditional medicine. This is after unsuccessfully seeking conventional treatment.

However, in some cases there has been controversy on the efficacy of traditional medicine.

Fourteen years ago, Prof Arthur Obel claimed to have found a cure for the HIV and Aids scourge. Obel came up with Pearl Omega, a drug that was allegedly derived from a "naturally occurring protease inhibitor".

He claimed a number of patients he had prescribed the drug to had reverted to HIV-negative but the Government demanded he surrenders the drug for testing.

Later, Obel retracted his claims; saying the drug only controlled the symptoms of the disease.

The Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board banned the drug, arguing that it was not effective and he had not followed laid-down procedure to introduce it into market.

Last week, the board put an advert on the local media, warning the public against some Chinese herbal contraceptives, which it described as dangerous.

It said the side effects threaten both the lives of the mother and unborn child.

Medical Services PS James Kiyapi said there were plans to register genuine practitioners and get rid of quacks.

In addition, Kiyapi said herbal drugs would be registered and incorporated into the pharmaceutical industry.

 

 

Read all about: Herbal medicine Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board Arthur Obel

 

 

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