Traditional cure at more clinics

NST: THE Health Ministry will expand the practice of traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) to more government hospitals and clinics.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said alternative medicine should be made available to the public to encourage its development.
"By expanding the services to government hospitals and clinics, more people in residential areas can try out TCM," he said after visiting the TCM Department here yesterday.
Currently, 10 government hospitals are offering TCM services. However, Liow said some clinics were too small to offer the service.
"We may have to think of mobile services if there is space constraint in clinics."
Liow said the World Health Organisation had identified TCM as an important alternative treatment to improve healthcare.
"This will also help Malaysia, which is rich in herbal plants, as a favourite TCM destination when it comes to health tourism."
Liow said the ministry planned to open two integrated hospitals every year that offer TCM.
"This year, a TCM unit will be opened at the Cheras Rehabilitation Centre, offering Malay massage and acupuncture," he said, adding that another would follow in Malacca.
The treatment also includes traditional Malay post-natal care.
A memorandum of understanding was signed with China last November and a meeting will follow in March to discuss plans for the establishment of a traditional Chinese medicine centre in Malaysia.
Liow said Malaysia would host the fourth Conference on Traditional Medicine in Asean Countries this year.
"The ministry hopes to increase collaboration among Asean countries and make Malaysia a recognised destination for traditional and complementary medicine."
Liow urged TCM practitioners to register online as only 4,900 out of 8,000 had done so nationwide.
"Many herbal products are not registered. We urge them to register with the pharmaceutical Department. Bogus practitioners will spoil the image of the country and we do not want this to happen."
A survey by the department showed 12 per cent of TCM practitioners were supplying unregistered products in the market.
TCM practitioners can register at http://tcmonline.moh.gov.my