The contribution of indigenous medicine knowledge to the delivery of quality healthcare in Migori County, Kenya

Abstract

Rationale of Study – Literature has extensively discussed integrating Indigenous Medical Knowledge (IMK) systems with modern medical practices to enhance the quality of healthcare services. Many countries have also committed to incorporating IMK systems into their healthcare programs. However, in Kenya, the county governments, which bear significant responsibility for healthcare delivery, have not fully embraced IMK systems as expected by the current laws, including the Healthcare Act 2017.
Methodology – This study analyses IMK's contribution to providing quality healthcare in Kenya. It took a purely qualitative approach and was guided by a phenomenological research design.
Findings – IMK has a profound role in reducing the disease burden in Migori County, both in terms of the many diseases IMK practitioners manage and the advantages associated with IMK practices over biomedical practices.
Implications – The study, therefore, recommended that IMK practices be formally embraced as an alternative healthcare delivery system along with biomedical practices in the country.
Originality – While much has been written about IMK practices globally, no study has been conducted to correlate this to county governments in Kenya, and indeed, no empirical study has been carried out about this in Migori County