There is a growing interest among Ghanaians in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Chinese medical team in Ghana told Xinhua.

A Ghanaian doctor treats a patient with acupuncture therapy at the China Traditional Herbal Hospital in Accra, Ghana, on Oct. 22, 2020. /Xinhua

Shi Yongyong, chief of the Chinese medical team, said in an interview with Xinhua that many of the patients who visit the China-Ghana Friendship (LEKMA) Hospital in the capital opted to undergo TCM for their ailments.

"Since TCM clinics started opening in the country at the turn of the 21st century, it has gained recognition among Ghanaians. In the LEKMA Hospital, where the Chinese Medical team works, the acupuncturist is definitely the most popular and busiest doctor," Shi said.

The team has included an acupuncturist in the medical team sent to work at the LEKMA hospital annually since 2011, helping to cater to the increasing needs of Ghanaian patients for TCM.

"There is the need to use modern science and technology to develop traditional medicine to benefit the world because both TCM and African traditional medicine play critical roles in the health systems of their respective countries," Shi said.

"TCM and African traditional medicine are both part of the achievements of human civilization, and TCM, in particular, emphasizes disease prevention," Shi said.

China and Ghana are working on deepening the exchange program to include more TCM experts, Shi added.