STORY: Traditional Chinese medicine becomes popular with Ghanaians
DATELINE: July 29, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:44
LOCATION: Accra
CATEGORY: HEALTH
 
SHOTLIST:
1. various of Ghanaian patients receiving traditional Chinese medicine treatment
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): RICHLOVE AGYEPONG, Patient from Bono Region in western Ghana
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): CHEN GAO, Member of the Chinese medical team to Ghana
4. various of Ghanaian patients receiving traditional Chinese medicine treatment
5. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): SANDRA ASHONG, Head of the herbal medicine unit at the hospital
 
STORYLINE:
 
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has become an increasingly popular option for patients in the West African country of Ghana thanks to its simplicity, high healing effects and affordability.
 
Many Ghanaians, including some traveling days from far away, have come to the China-Ghana Friendship Hospital in the country's capital Accra, where the Chinese medical team to Ghana is stationed, for TCM treatment. 
 
SOUNDBITE 1 (English): RICHLOVE AGYEPONG, Patient from Bono Region in western Ghana
"The first time I came here, when I met the doctor, the way he received me, instantly, psychologically, I was well, because I knew I was in good hands.
I used to take a lot of pain medication. But after I came for two sessions, I have not taken any pain medication but I am fine.
My neck pain is better, my shoulder, my back pain, I'm better. Acupuncture is a very good therapy. It's very good."
 
Since 2009, China has sent 12 batches of medical teams to Ghana, with more than 100 Chinese personnel providing medical services for the people in the country.
 
SOUNDBITE 2 (English): CHEN GAO, Member of the Chinese medical team to Ghana
"It (TCM) is growing, as you see many patients are waiting for the treatment. We have so many new patients. They come here because of the good therapeutic effect."
 
SOUNDBITE 3 (English): SANDRA ASHONG, Head of the herbal medicine unit at the hospital
"We have the Chinese doctors. Every year they come on voluntary service. So when they come, they teach us consistently. They are very particularly about even knowledge transfer as compared to the work itself.
I have been here for ten years, and they (Chinese doctors) have done extremely well. We really learned extensively, so even when they are not around, we are able to do most of the things that they have taught us."   
 
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Accra.
(XHTV)