THE federal government’s move to intro- duce the National Traditional, Compleme-ntary and Alternative Medicine (NTCAM) Act, 2026, is a much-needed reform to modernise and strengthen the regulation of traditional medicine in Pakistan. For decades, alternative medicine councils, working under the outdated 1965 law, failed to ensure proper standards, discipline and patient safety. Public dissatisfaction and weak governance have made it necessary to replace the fragmented system with a single, professional and accountable national regulator.

The proposed law aims at creating a NTCAM Council to regulate all recognised alternative medicine systems under one framework. The council will set education standards, accredit institutions, register practitioners and enforce ethical conduct.

It will also introduce compulsory internships, modern degree requirements, a digital register, and strict action against quackery and false medical claims, while protecting existing practitioners through transitional arrangements. At a time when millions of citizens depend on traditional medicine, NTCAM-led reforms will improve safety, quality and public confidence.

The decision to merge the under- performing councils into a single national authority is a positive step in the public interest. Early parliamentary approval will allow the new system to start delivering better-regulated, safer and more credible traditional healthcare across the country.

Ilahi Bux
Karachi

Published in Dawn, February 10th, 2026