INTRODUCTION

University of the West Indies has recognized the growing trend among the public to express more than a passing interest in “alternative” medical practices. This trend can be associated with a number of factors which have energized a coexisting system of Folk Medicine which was formerly regarded as posing little threat to conventional medicine as society became more enlightened and sophisticated. However, the idea of providing basic healthcare to people everywhere in the face of resource constraint, created a “space for culturally acceptable practices” in instances where conventional services were not available or accessible.