WINDHOEK,

Namibia has made a bold move that will see more of its people have access to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) after officially approving such services.

On March 6, the Namibia Association of Medical Aid Funds, a juristic body for medical aid funds in the country, granted the registration of TCM, making Namibia the latest to join a long list of African countries that have formally incorporated the TCM into their public healthcare system.

TCM has gained tremendous popularity in Namibia over the years as many prefer this treatment over western medicine especially for physical pain.

For 59-year-old Wimpie Beukes, the decision by his government is not only ground-breaking but commendable as he now has options regarding his treatment.

“My treatment story is a long one, I have been in and out of hospitals for years seeking treatment for my knee and back but could never receive the treatment I required. All I got were pain killers that gave me temporary relief. TCM has changed my life, I am not in pain anymore,” Beukes said.

Beukes was involved in a very bad accident last year which left him with a dislocated knee as well as chronic back and neck pain.

After the accident, the furniture maker received treatment but lost the function of his knee where he had to use crutches to manage.

This was until he was introduce to Doctor Peng Wang, an Acupuncture and Tuina treatment specialist who according to Beukes “saved his life”.

“After my accident, I never thought I would lead a normal life. Chinese medicine is the best, I have experienced it myself. My life has changed. You think, how is it possible for something as small as a needle could give you relief,”said Beukes.

The use of medical aid allows patients can have access to private care especially in severe instances where patients require extra care.

Wang established the African Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic to cater for private patients after realising how popular the TCM practice was becoming.

“I realized that the TCM practitioners at public hospitals were overwhelmed by an influx of patients coming to seek treatment so I decided to relieve them by establishing a private practice,” Wang said.

Doctors at the Katutura State hospital are overwhelmed by the number of patients where they treat over a 100 people a day.

After opening the clinic, Wang discovered that people were interested in TCM but were limited because they could not use medical aid, a plan to help cover medical costs.

“I would receive calls from people who wanted treatment but could only use medical aid. Patients know that the treatment is effective,” Wang said.

The young Doctor embarked on a journey to get TCM treatment registered in Namibia’s health sector which would lead to the practice being registered under the Namibia Association of Medical Aid Funds.

This would allow patients to be able to claim and receive treatment using medical aid.

“It was a long and difficult journey. I was told there is no Chinese medicine scope in Namibia, so I had to provide that. It took me three years to get a positive outcome. It was a long process but worth is,” Wang said.

“This is a big success for Chinese medicine and traditional Chinese doctors. The first for Chinese medicine is Namibia,” Wang said.

The approval has given Wang access to over 500,000 Namibians who use medical aid.

“There is a big market of many Namibians who want to use this simple and effective way to heal pain,” Wang said.

Wang has his sights set on training local doctors, a move he says is meant to grow the culture and practice of TCM.

Since the approval by government, general practitioners are referring patients to the clinic.

“Other doctors know how effective TCM is especially for chronic joint pains thus they have started referring patients,” Wang said.

The clinic has been open for a year and has since seen a growth in the number of people who come for treatment.

People like Beukes who says TCM has given them a new lease of life. (Xinhua)