The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, is to solicit support from the West Africa Health Organisation and other collaborators, to upgrade the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine (CSRPM).
Mr Philip Victor Gbeho, President of ECOWAS Commission, who made this known, said the move would transform the facility into a centre of excellence in Africa by improving the uniform standards in research and manufacturing of herbal medicine to meet international standards.
He made this known, when he led an eight-member delegation from the ECOWAS Secretariat to acquaint themselves with the operations of the Centre at Mampong-Akuapem in the Eastern Region on Friday.
The Centre established in 1975 by the National Redemption Council Degree 344 as an agency of the Ministry of Health has the mandate to conduct and promote scientific research relating to the improvement of plant medicine and ensuring the purity of drugs extracted from plants.
It also establishes where necessary botanical gardens for medicinal plants cooperate and liaise with the Ghana Psychic and Traditional Healer�s Association, Research Institutions and Commercial organisations in any part of the world in matters of plant medicines.
Mr Gbeho said the Commission is sourcing support from its collaborators to tackle some of the challenges facing the Centre.
He noted that with the involvement and support of regional organisations the Centre would reach greater heights in Africa.
The ECOWAS Commission President thanked the chiefs and people of Mampong-Akuapem for hosting the Centre and for being part of the success story.
He commended the Government of Ghana for the foresight in establishing a place to research into plant medicine.
Professor Dominic Edoh, Director of CSRM, said the Centre provides practical attachment and training for students from tertiary institutions, organises orientation programmes for final year students, pharmacists and other medical students.
He noted that activities of the Centre included quality control and standardisation of herbal products, screening of medicinal plants for antimicrobial agents and development of propagation techniques for cultivation and conservation of useful medicinal plants.
The Centre manufacturers a variety of herbal products including Agetum, Antiaris, Herbal Laxative, NPK 500, Pile-C, Garibe Ointment, Aphrodicia Roots, Diodia and Pile mixture.
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