Health Ministry launches Blueprint on Traditional and Complementary Medicine

KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has launched a ten-year Blueprint on Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) to facilitate, regulate, integrate, and develop the industry.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S.Subramaniam said the Blueprint serves as a guideline for T&CM practitioners, while the Health Ministry is looking at the industry's economic and socio-cultural impact.
"With the launch of this Blueprint, we hope that it could contribute optimally to the national health care system, maximise the reach of health systems and enhance the health and quality of life for all Malaysians.
"This Blueprint shall guide through a systematic and sustainable approach in developing the T&CM industry for the coming ten years, starting from 2018 to 2027," Subramaniam said during the launch of the Blueprint at the Health Management Institute here.
He said the Blueprint is a culmination of input and aspirations from various ministries, agencies, academic institutions, professional bodies, NGOs and the private sector.
Subramaniam said the Blueprint has identified 17 challenges faced by the T&CM industry where these challenges are categorised into four areas - Practice, Education and Training, Medical Materials and Products, and Research.
"In response to these challenges, six general directions were tailored to meet emerging health care needs and to address the issues and challenges of the industry," he said.