15 December
NOWADAYS, alternative medicine plays an important role internationally. In place of chemicals, natural raw materials are increasingly used in medical treatment and pharmaceutical industries. Thus, upgrading the sector of traditional medicines can be of great benefit to the country and its people.
Not only the people of Myanmar, but also world populations have turned their attention back to natural herbs and foods.
Therefore, it can be said that the role of Myanmar traditional medicines produced with natural herbs, and Myanmar’s traditional medical science skillfully practiced by Myanmar traditional medicine practitioners, have expanded more than ever.
The Myanmar people relied on, are still relying on, and will definitely be relying on, traditional medicines in which they put their trust, because they are the ones who honour their lineage and religion as precious heritages handed down by their ancestors.
The Union Government, for its part, has been working to promote the standard of the Myanmar traditional medicine profession and to raise the health care coverage of the people by having access to traditional medicine practices.
The initial health care activities are being carried out in accordance with the fine traditions of the Myanmar traditional medicine profession in rural and urban areas, especially as priorities are given to the prevention of diseases due to the efforts of the traditional medicine profession.
The Union Government pledged, during the recent 20th Traditional Medicine Practitioners Conference in Nay Pyi Taw, that it will leave no stone unturned to upgrade and develop the traditional medicine sector step by step to reach a certain level.
But, much remains to be done to develop the traditional medicine sector. One of the tasks is to conduct research on the therapy and effectiveness of Myanmar traditional medicine. It does not mean that research is to be done just in the laboratory. Instead, the research means seeking firm evidence. Another important factor is putting on record a therapy, and this is a must for all traditional medicine practitioners.
At the same time, scientists are to conduct research on the safety, quality and potency of traditional medicines. More than that, they are to cooperate with pharmacologists, foresters, agriculturalists and medical experts to conduct scientific research in producing traditional medicines, following Good Manufacturing Practices.
It is certain that the outcomes from this research will greatly contribute to progress in advancing traditional medicines.
GNLM
