WORDS LIM TECK CHOON
 FEATURED EXPERTASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR LIM REN JYE Medical Director and Integrative Medicine Consultant Sunway TCM Centre |
Malaysia’s multicultural landscape has fostered a diverse approach to traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM for short), which integrates various ethnic practices aimed at disease prevention and overall well-being.
Far from disallowing this, our Ministry of Health has implemented steps to introduce and integrate T&CM services, in phases, into our national health system.
OUR MINISTRY OF HEALTH’S MISSION AND VISION FOR T&CM
- Promote rational and proper use of T&CM particularly in primary healthcare delivery system.
- Provide appropriate education and systematic training to T&CM practitioners.
- Adhere to acceptable standards of safety and quality for products and practice.
- Establish strong T&CM research and development activities.
- Conserve plants and animals for progress of T&CM development.
- Enhance international technical co-operation and exchanges relevant to T&CM.
Recognizing the need for standardization and regulation, our government enacted the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) Act 2016 (Act 775) effective August 1, 2016.
This act promotes evidence-based T&CM practices that are aligned with national health strategies to ensure public safety and effective health interventions.
To help us understand the situation better, Associate Professor Dr Lim Jen Rye has kindly taken time out of his busy schedule to offer his insight and expert opinion on the matter.
THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE T&CM ACT 2016 CAN BE BENEFICIAL TO THE T&CM SECTOR AND TO THE PUBLIC
Dr Lim tells us: “With over 70% of Malaysians relying on T&CM as part of their daily healthcare, the importance of regulation cannot be overstated.”
He believes that enforcement of the T&CM sector is a crucial step for the following reasons.
Ensures Public Safety and Quality of T&CM Services
Dr Lim says that the T&CM Act was established to protect members of the public, by ensuring that traditional and complementary medicine is practiced by qualified professionals.
Its primary purpose is to create a regulatory framework that guarantees the safety, efficacy, and quality of T&CM services.
“Given the widespread use of T&CM among Malaysians, this act is essential for ensuring that these practices are safe and reliable,” he says.
Elevates Malaysia’s Reputation in the Global Medical Tourism Market
For international patients who contribute to our growing medical tourism sector, the T&CM Act provides reassurance that Malaysia’s T&CM services meet global standards.
“This not only enhances the credibility of our healthcare system but also helps attract patients seeking comprehensive and integrated treatment options,” says Dr Lim.
“This will position Malaysia as a reliable destination for holistic healthcare, appealing to both local and international patients,” he adds.
Recognition and Legitimacy for T&CM Practitioners
For T&CM practitioners, Dr Lim positions that enforcement of the T&CM Act 2016 will offer them legal recognition and professional legitimacy.
“This will allow myself and my colleagues to operate within a regulated environment,” he says.
“Furthermore, legal recognition and professional legitimacy can lead to increased collaboration with conventional healthcare providers, fostering a more integrated approach to patient care,” Dr Lim adds.
Improves Affordability and Accessibility of T&CM to the Public
Dr Lim believes that, with proper regulation of T&CM treatments, there’s a potential for insurance companies to extend coverage to such treatments.
“This would make T&CM more accessible and affordable, offering financial protection and making these treatments more accessible,” he tells us.
DR LIM’S ADVICE ON HOW TO LOCATE A LEGITIMATE T&CM PRACTITIONER
Check for the APC
- Look for the practitioner’s Annual Practicing Certificate (APC), which should be displayed prominently in their health centre.
- The APC is a clear sign that the practitioner is not only registered with the T&CM Council but also currently authorized to practice.
Check Their Credentials
- Review the practitioner’s qualifications and experience to ensure they are properly trained and recognized.
Seek Recommendations
- Ask for referrals from other healthcare professionals or trusted sources.
| Click here for a list of government hospitals that offer T&CM services (link opens in a new tab). |
| This article is part of our series on traditional and complementary medicine. |
References:
- Ministry of Health Malaysia. (2001, August). National policy on traditional/complementary medicine, Malaysia. https://www.mps.org.my/html/National%20Policy%20on%20Tra%20Med%20Malaysia.pdf
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia. (n.d.). Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) Act 2016 (Act 775). https://hq.moh.gov.my/tcm/en/index.php/policy/sct-tcm-2016
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia. (n.d.). Background. https://hq.moh.gov.my/tcm/en/index.php/profil/background
