Major Boost for Traditional Thai Medical Services and Herbal Medicine

(09/08/2011)

The Ministry of Public Health is accelerating the development of traditional Thai medical services in various hospitals, and it is also giving a major boost to the use of Thai herbs combined with modern medicine. The Permanent Secretary for Public Health, Dr. Paijit Warachit, said that the Ministry of Public Health has a policy to promote the use of traditional methods in the country’s healthcare system. Traditional Thai medicine is an ancient healing science reflecting folk wisdom passed on from generation to generation. It consists of the medical processes concerned with examination, diagnosis, therapy, treatment, disease prevention, and rehabilitation. The use of herbal medicine has been part of Thai life since ancient times. Herbs can be used in both medicine and health food. The growing popularity of natural products and consumption of holistic food have led to the expansion of traditional methods of healthcare. Dr. Paijit said that traditional Thai medical services have now been offered in almost 4,400 hospitals and health centers, accounting for 42 percent of all hospitals and health centers in Thailand. Apart from medical check-ups, the services also include prescription for Thai herbs, traditional massage, and the use of herbal compress balls to treat various ailments. He said that the policy of promoting traditional and herbal medicine by integrating it into modern treatment would help reduce heavy dependence on drug imports. A total of 71 indigenous herb items have already been included in the national drug list. Latest statistics compiled in 2010 show that hospital, operated by the Ministry of Public Health in 36 provinces, used traditional medicine worth 146 million baht. Out of this value, Chon Buri province in the East came first, with 26 million baht, followed by Surin in the Northeast, with 12 million baht, and Khon Kaen, also in the Northeast, 10 million baht. According to Dr. Paijit, the Ministry of Public Health this year selected nine model hospitals to provide full traditional Thai medical services to patients. These hospitals are located in Chanthaburi, Suphan Buri, Si Sa Ket, Phrae, Chiang Rai, and Surat Thani. Two are located in Sa Kaeo province and another one in the Institute for Thai Traditional Medicine at the Department of Development of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. He said that evaluation of these services would be made periodically. If they receive a positive response from the public, like traditional Chinese medicine in China, they will be developed further into centers for specialized healthcare. Moreover, the Ministry of Public Health will ensure the standards for herbal medicine, as well.