Trinidad Tobago: Foward thinking public health should include traditional methods of care

[Marisel Brown]

In some parts of the developing world, reliance on traditional healing practics is frowned upon.  The island nation of Trinidad-Tabago is taking a new approach to health reform.

"Chiropractors, body adjusters, Homeopathic and Ayuvedic doctors offer services to people in Trinidad and Tobago who seek health care outside of the ­public health system administered by the Ministry of Health. Is regulation of complimentary and integrative health (cim) care—ancient Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, massage, herbal and ‘rootical’ treatments and energetic healing a new area for policy consideration by the Ministry of Health?"

http://guardian.co.tt/business/2011/05/01/expanding-paradigms-publi...

[Cecil Verley]

This article is beating around the bush.  The issue is class.  In the West Indies the cast/class distinction is still in operation.  It is a remnant of the colonial period.  While in the US you find the educated willing to toy with alternative medicine and natural remedies, in the West Indies these ideas are considered "backward".  I doubt there is much of a true debate, including "community" people in the conversation, on this matter.  In the end "establishment" medicine will win the day.