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Chen applauds successes of traditional medicine

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday recognized the exceptional contributions made by traditional Oriental medicine in enhancing human health around the world.

Addressing the opening of the 14th International Congress of Oriental Medicine at National Taiwan University's International Convention Center, Chen said that traditional Oriental medicine has provided a major alternative to Western medicine, particularly in the treatment of chronic diseases and senility.

Chen said that as a result of the clinically proven results of Oriental medicine, the WHO said in 2002 that member countries should incorporate traditional medicine into their national health policies.

ACHIEVEMENTS

He said that in the three decades since 1976, when the first International Congress of Oriental Medicine was held in Seoul, practitioners and researchers of traditional medicine from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and many other countries have made groundbreaking achievements and commendable contributions in the struggle to treat illnesses and improve the quality of people's lives.

In Taiwan, thanks to the concerted efforts of the Democratic Progressive Party administration and the private sector, the research and development of traditional medicine and pharmaceuticals has progressed by leaps and bounds in recent years, he said.

Chen expressed admiration for the Department of Health's Committee on Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy; the Taichung-based China Medical University; and the Bureau of National Health Insurance for their promotion of traditional medicine and pharmaceuticals as an alternative to Western medicine.

PARTICIPANTS

More than 2,000 medical professionals and researchers from Australia, Belgium, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Macau, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Russia, the UK, the US and Taiwan are taking part in the congress.

The event ends tomorrow.

A total of 38 specialists, including David Eisenberg, director of Harvard Medical School's Osher Institute, will deliver speeches during the three-day event, organizers said.

The International Congress of Oriental Medicine -- a major undertaking of the International Society of Oriental Medicine -- has convened every two or three years in Asia, the US and Europe.
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