Perceptions on integration of traditional and western healing in the new South Africa

A focus group study was conducted to investigate the perceptions of various stakeholders (viz., psychiatrists, medical doctors, psychologists, traditional healers and consumers) on integration of the traditional and western healing systems in the new South Africa and other pertinent issues in this debate such as registration, medical aid (health insurance) access and the issuing of sick-leave certificates by traditional healers. Thematic content analysis of the transcripts of the focus groups' discussions revealed that several strategies for integration were preferred by each of the focus groups. Similarly, a number of models of registration were put forward. There were also different views expressed about whether or not traditional healers should have access to medical aid schemes or issue sick-leave certificates. Collectively, most focus groups preferred (a) formal cooperation between the two systems; (b) registration of traditional healers with their own independent body; and (c) traditional healers not having any access to medical aid schemes. However, there was no consensus concerning whether or not traditional healers should issue sick-leave (medical) certificates. The significance of these results as well as their policy implications are discussed.