Ethiopian bone-setter treats injuries without charge
Wogesha Birqe Yibre in Bahir Dar says she prioritizes treating poor patients and refers serious cases to hospitals.
In Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, traditional bone-setter Wogesha Birqe Yibre treats patients in her home for injuries. Birqe, who has practised for over 20 years, says she charges between 150 and 200 Ethiopian birr for those who can pay, but treats poorer patients for free. One patient, Yidersal Mengistu, chose her care over a hospital for a foot injury, stating he prefers the traditional way and had a good experience previously.
Birqe distinguishes between injuries she can manage, such as muscle pulls and minor dislocations, and those requiring hospital attention. She stated that if a patient presents with a serious, displaced bone or deep fracture, she refers them directly to a hospital. She expressed concern about other bone-setters who accept complex cases without the necessary skills, sometimes binding limbs tightly with bamboo splints called Timaq.
A study in the Mecha district found that 46.05 per cent of 836 people with injuries had used traditional bone-setting services, with social acceptance being the main reason. Birqe believes some practitioners delay referring patients to hospitals even when their condition worsens, sometimes only advising hospital care after multiple visits.
Why it mattersPatients like Yidersal Mengistu are choosing traditional bone-setters over hospitals for injuries, with some receiving free treatment.