Public Health Minister promotes integrated modern and traditional Thai medical services

BANGKOK: -- The Public Health Minister has raised the idea of establishing a clinic to provide medical services of both traditional Thai and modern Western medicine, while also raising standards of herbal medicine manufacturing to earn GMP certification.

Public Health Minister, Professor Dr. Rachata Rachatanavin, has called on the Department for Development of Traditional Thai and Alternative Medicine to emphasize on establishing research support for traditional and alternative medicine in order to raise the level of confidence among consumers and doctors.

The Minister said the ministry has expanded its integrated modern and traditional Thai medical services, in line with policies of the World Health Organization. Traditional Thai medical trainings have also been held for doctors of modern medicine.

As many as 14 hospitals have already reported effective, integrated medical services. About 41 percent of the hospitals nationwide have provided integrated services in 26 million out of 157 out-patient check-ups, accounting for 17 percent. Dr.Rachata said that the ministry would like to see that number rise to 70% by 2015 and to establish 300 additional clinics for chronic diseases.

Meanwhile, he noted that 47 factories producing herbal medicine have already passed GMP standards, and 76 herbal products have made it onto the nationally approved list of medical products, with an aim to put 15 more on the approval list next year.

-- NNT 2014-10-13

Eat rice, adopt sufficiency economy and use traditional medicine!

Is it only me, or are we moving the wrong way??

be sure to consult an astrologer to determin the most auspicius date for treatment also...

“You know what they call alternative medicine that's been proved to work? - Medicine.”

― Tim Minchin

"Meanwhile, he noted that 47 factories producing herbal medicine have already passed GMP standards, and 76 herbal products have made it onto the nationally approved list of medical products, with an aim to put 15 more on the approval list next year."

I am wondering if the term "herbal medicine" also includes vitamin supplements which are anywhere from 10 to 30 times more expensive in Thailand than in the west. At airport customs they seem to target in on these supplements, allowing one to bring in only a one month supply. In order to maintain this monopoly, will they determine that foreign manufactured supplements do not meet GMP standards and only the overpriced Thai products are legal to purchase?

Also, if anyone can answer this: What is it about vitamin supplements that they should be singled out to be protected from foreign competition?

"Public Health Minister, Professor Dr. Rachata Rachatanavin, has called on the Department for Development of Traditional Thai and Alternative Medicine to emphasize on establishing research support for traditional and alternative medicine"

One wonders what that department has been doing instead of research in support of their approach.

The potential patient will ring the bell according to which one he wants to consult with

The medical doctor

The monk

The witch doctor

Will the 30 baht card get you admitted or is it cash up front?

In all doctors clinics there will be situated a medicine man with incarnations and voodoo dolls , the trick is to find out witch one is who, and who is what.

Eat rice, adopt sufficiency economy and use traditional medicine!

Is it only me, or are we moving the wrong way??

What is wrong with it, if it is done right...Well it won't be done right but what is wrong with the ideas?

Why just traditional Thai medicines? There are "traditional" medicines from all over the world with proven medicinal results coming from rain forests of South America and Asia, the savannas of Africa, and the pacific islands. Medical practice should not be driven by national pride but by the health and well-being of the individual.

rickirs, on 13 Oct 2014 - 18:25, said:

Why just traditional Thai medicines? There are "traditional" medicines from all over the world with proven medicinal results coming from rain forests of South America and Asia, the savannas of Africa, and the pacific islands. Medical practice should not be driven by national pride but by the health and well-being of the individual.

And in Isaan we have rubbing dog poo on open wounds....that really needs to be on the "traditional" medicine list.

medical marijuana is readily available in much of the U.S. that is traditional Thai med. also. why not that? proven affective for many conditions.

Eat rice, adopt sufficiency economy and use traditional medicine!

Is it only me, or are we moving the wrong way??

It's you, choosing to deliberately misinterpret reasonable reports in order to have a dig at Thailand.

"Meanwhile, he noted that 47 factories producing herbal medicine have already passed GMP standards, and 76 herbal products have made it onto the nationally approved list of medical products, with an aim to put 15 more on the approval list next year."

I am wondering if the term "herbal medicine" also includes vitamin supplements which are anywhere from 10 to 30 times more expensive in Thailand than in the west. At airport customs they seem to target in on these supplements, allowing one to bring in only a one month supply. In order to maintain this monopoly, will they determine that foreign manufactured supplements do not meet GMP standards and only the overpriced Thai products are legal to purchase?

Also, if anyone can answer this: What is it about vitamin supplements that they should be singled out to be protected from foreign competition?

Vitamin supplements are definitely not included under herbal medicines. Herbal medicines are medicines derived from herbs.

you can't beat having holy water spat all over you, works wonders!

If someone can produce a convincing fake rhino horn, they will make billions....

In all doctors clinics there will be situated a medicine man with incarnations and voodoo dolls , the trick is to find out witch one is who, and who is what.

"...the trick is to find out witch one is who, and who is what".

You have one right there, the real doctor must be in surgery.