THE regulation of homoeopathy and tibb in Pakistan has for long remained a neglected domain in the country. This is unlike China where a separate category of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) exists across which regular and extensive research is conducted by even mainstream physicians and scientists. This body of research is carried by reputed global journals, which in iteslf is an undeniable acknowledgement of its authenticity.

However, in Pakistan, the scene happens to be totally different despite the existence of the National Council for Homoeopathy (NCH) and the National Council for Tibb (NCT). Indeed, these bodies that are responsible for governing education and professional practice in their respective fields, function indepen- dently, but face serious challenges that hinder their effectiveness.

Given that their regulatory framework is based on the Unani, Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic Practitioners Act of 1965, it is hardly surprising because the framework has become seriously outdated and is unable to address contemporary challenges.

At present, the two councils collec-tively comprise 43 members, and they operate out of separate secretariats. Despite having well over six decades of formal recognition, the councils have not been able to improve educational and professional competency standards in the fields which remain below par.

Moreover, the councils’ core respon-sibilities — education regulation, practitioner registration, and maintaining standards — have not undergone the desired improvements. As a result, these traditional systems of medicine continue to be viewed as peripheral to the main-stream healthcare sector.

Recognising the urgency of reforms, a high-powered government committee has proposed merging the NCH and NCT into a single entity; the National Council for Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Systems of Medicine.

As such, the proposal aims at strea-mlining governance, enhancing regulatory effectiveness, and introducing globally recognised standards. It is understood that the draft legislation for this new body is currently being considered. If enacted, it will bring multiple benefits.

There will be a reduction in council membership from 43 to 11, ensuring efficiency and faster decision-making. There will be uniform regulation for all traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) systems, even incor-porating disciplines from TCM.

We will have standardised education and professional development progra-mmes aligned with international norms, besides a structured oversight mechanism to ensure stringent ethical compliance and research-based practice.

Consequently, there will be improved job security and career progression pathways for the young practitioners.

Moreover, the proposed council will have a balanced composition, including provincial representation, qualified practitioners, and oversight from the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

It is also anticipated that the restruc-turing will introduce mandatory conti-nuous professional development (CPD) training, formal training for dispensers and assistants, and a robust quality assurance framework.

Pakistan can modernise and integrate traditional medicine within a cohesive regulatory structure to enhance public health facilities, elevate professional standards, and position the country as a regional leader in TCAM practices.

Ilahi Bux
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2025