SEBOKENG. – By bringing the Western and traditional worlds together, eNethealth continues to assist patients. This is after the organization fulfilled a special request from a patient who recently survived a horrific car accident.
Sicelo ward 08 Councilor Lilian Molakeng was concerned about her spiritual health and made a request which eNethealth helped facilitate working together with Sedibeng Traditional Health Practitioner Dr Sonnyboy Makoe, Sedibeng District Health, the nurses at Sebokeng Hospital and Chaplain David Mtshotwane.
Molakeng asked to be assisted in appeasing her ancestors and to carry out a process called ‘uku phahla’, a way to connect and speak to one’s ancestors. Dr Makoe carried out the process using incense and a candle and called on Molakeng’s ancestors to be with her on her healing journey Molakeng was joined by her family and church members for the short ceremony.
Speaking to Ster North, Dr Lefa Hlopho from eNethealth said Molakeng was the first patient to have this request carried out in a hospital ward.
“This is a special day because it is the first time this kind of request is carried out. This should be an example to traditional healers that if they do things correctly, they will also get to work with the health department for the patient’s good.”
Dr Hlopho said that the patient asked her family members to request on her behalf.
“We do not speak directly to patients. This process should be requested through the hospital as we will always collaborate with them in doing this kind of thing.”
Dr Hlopho said that people have different belief systems and all these beliefs should be catered for. He highlighted that whether a patient asks for a traditional healer or the services of a chaplain who will pray for them, they should equally be catered for.
He further reiterated that eNethealth does not only deal with matters of spiritual health but also offers patients alternative traditional medicines that are clinically tested.
During a recent event at the VUT Science Center, , Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko acknowledged the important role of traditional healers.
“We understand that majority of our population relies on traditional medicine for their basic health needs. It is imperative to recognise the important work being done by traditional health practitioners for the health and well-being of communities,” she said.
