Witchdoctors to give sick notes

2006-09-06 15:02

Harare - Witchdoctors in Zimbabwe have been given the authority to issue their patients with sick notes allowing them time off work, say reports.

A senior official in the ministry of health also said that conventional doctors should be allowed to refer problem cases to traditional healers.

Deputy health minister Edwin Muguti was quoted as saying that the healers would not be allowed to give their patients more than a week off work.

Muguti said: "It is important that we encourage our traditional medical practitioners and conventional doctors to work together for the benefit of our people."

Faith healers 'cure Aids'

Rising medical costs had put conventional medical treatment out of the reach of many and increasing numbers of Zimbabweans were reported to be turning to traditional healers for help.

There had also been an upsurge in the number of faith healers, some of whom dangerously claimed to cure HIV/Aids, which affected about one in five Zimbabweans.

It was reported that there were at least 1 500 registered traditional healers in Zimbabwe. It added that, only those registered with the Traditional Medical Practitioners Council would be allowed to give patients off days.

Zimbabwe, which was in the middle of a severe economic crisis, was critically short of qualified medical doctors and nursing staff, many of whom had left the country to practice abroad.

Traditional beliefs still held a lot of sway in Zimbabwean society. In July, President Robert Mugabe warned officials from his ruling Zanu-PF party not to consult witch doctors over the thorny issue of who would succeed him.

The president, who had been in power for 26 years, was expected to step down when his current term ends in 2008.

Sapa-dpa

- SAPA