TCM services at selected govt clinics this year

Star: KAJANG: Traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) services will be made available at selected government clinics this year.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the ministry was compiling data and identifying locations for pilot projects.
“We initially plan to offer acupuncture treatment for patients with chronic pain as well as Malay traditional massage therapy for post-natal mothers,” he said at the opening ceremony of the private Hospital Sungai Long yesterday.
He first announced the ministry's plans to extend TCM services at the primary healthcare level in government clinics in January.
Currently, in the government sector, TCM units are only available at 10 major hospitals in 10 states.
“We will introduce it in big clinics first,” Liow said, adding that the ministry would likely introduce the service in cities where TCM units were available in nearby hospitals. “We may start in Johor Baru.”
Liow, who also launched the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) part-time Bachelor of Chinese Medicine (Hons) programme at the event, said such part-time programmes could allow more flexibility for traditional Chinese medicine practitioners to further their studies.
Utar president Prof Datuk Dr Chuah Hean Teik explained that the five- to 10-year programme could help practitioners get the qualifications they may need when the TCM Bill is passed.
Liow said the ministry had already submitted the TCM Bill to the Attorney-General's chambers for review.
“We hope we can table it in Parliament for the first reading this month or in June,” said Liow.
The Bill, once passed, will outline minimum requirements for TCM practitioners to practise in the country.