The Traditional Health Practitioners Act No 22 (2007): A godsend or an act that spells doom for South Africa's healthcare?

Abstract

Background: South Africa's development and growth in healthcare since the 1900s is phenomenal, but certain present-day healthcare policies such as the Traditional Health Practitioners Act (Act No 22, 2007), could jeopardize it. Aims: The study aims to determine if the Traditional Health Practitioners Act No 22 is a godsend to the South African healthcare or if there is an indication of doom. Methods: This is an exploratory and descriptive study that makes use of an historical approach by means of investigation and a literature review. The emphasis is on using current documentation like articles, books and newspapers as primary sources to reflect on the thinking and opinions around the contribution of the Traditional Health Practitioners Act No 22 of 2007 to the South African healthcare sector. The findings are offered in narrative form. Results: It seems that the Traditional Health Practitioners Act No 22 (2007) was promulgated without comprehensive exploratory research and an in-depth consultation with all the role-players involved in South Africa's healthcare, especially the already statutory registered health professionals. Conclusion: Political influences played a strong part in the promulgation of the Traditional Health Practitioners Act in 2007. In 2017 it is still not fully operational and the indication is that it will take years for the traditional health practitioner to become a full member of the health sector, if ever. This health Act can cause serious long-term disturbances for the already established healthcare practitioners and the statutory healthcare sector.