October 04, 2006	Wednesday	Ramazan 10, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 3: The Ministry of Health is preparing a law to regulate and promote the use of traditional medicine, which would soon be sent to National Assembly for approval

This was stated by Federal Minister for Health Mohammad Nasir Khan in a meeting of National Health Policy Council (NHPC) of the Ministry of Health here on Tuesday. “A bill on traditional medicine is under process and will soon be submitted to the National Assembly for approval,” the minister told the participants of the meeting.

The minister highlighted the role and importance of traditional medicine in the health sector.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “traditional medicine refers to health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being.”

The term describes medical knowledge systems, which developed over centuries within various societies before the era of modern medicine. Traditional medicines include medicines, which are very well-known also in western countries, such as herbal, ayurvedic and unani medicines. WHO launched its first ever comprehensive traditional medicine strategy in 2002.

After passage of the traditional medicine bill from the parliament, the government will be able to evaluate and regulate traditional medicine practices in the country.

The minister, according to an official handout, also announced that a national programme on “Early Detection of Women Cancers” would be launched soon. Through the programme, check-up of women would be conducted through mobile units free of cost.

The minister pointed out the need to prepare a package of basic health services to be presented to district health management and its implementation at primary health care level in collaboration with district Nazims.

During the meeting, the minister stressed the need for streamlining the health system in the country and directed the ministry officials to examine the existing health facilities, human resources and other infrastructure to bring an improvement.

The minister lauded the role of private sector in imparting healthcare to the people and called for streamlining its role in delivery of services and human resource development.

Earlier, Dr Mushtaq A Khan, the chief National Health Policy Unit, presented the review of the work of the unit and its future agenda.

The meeting was attended by secretary health Syed Anwar Mehmood, director-general health Maj-Gen (retd) Shahida Malik, Saira Karim, senior joint secretary, and WHO representative in Pakistan Dr Khalife Bile and others.