It is necessary to further integrate and collaborate with the traditional medicine sectors of other countries to modernize and develop Myanmar’s traditional medicine.
Vice-Senior General Soe Win stressed that traditional medicine practitioners have to act systematically and in accordance with the code of conduct, following the Traditional Medicine Council Law and the Traditional Medicine Law to maintain discipline and organization.
A ceremony to open the 23rd Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners’ Conference and Seminar took place at the Myanmar International Convention Centre II in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning.
Patron of the Leading Committee for Organizing the Conference and Seminar Vice-Chairman of the State Administration Council Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win pressed the button to kick off the conference and seminar.
Chairman of the Leading Committee for Organizing the Conference and Seminar Union Minister for Health Dr Thet Khaing Win, Deputy Minister Dr Aye Tun, Nay Pyi Taw Council member Col Ye Moe, Director- General of the Traditional Medicine Department Dr Su Su Dwe, President of Myanmar Traditional Medicine Council U Myint Oo, Chairman of the Advisory Board Dr U Meik and Chairman of Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association U Thein Win formally cut the ribbon to launch the conference and seminar.
At the ceremony, a video message was sent by SAC Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to the conference and seminar. (The video message is reported on page 4)
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-Senior General urged the practitioners to work together with international organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, and Mekong to develop traditional medicines and therapies with full quality.
He spotted that the government is encouraging the traditional medicine sector. As the Traditional Medicine Department was formed on 3 August 1989, it manages development of traditional medicine education, he added.
He continued that the government is continuously working to improve the health sector to ensure long-term health for the entire nation, with ongoing efforts to enhance the health standards of the national people.
He stressed the need to act systematically and in accordance with the code of conduct, following the Traditional Medicine Council Law and the Traditional Medicine Law to maintain discipline and organization.
The Vice-Senior General disclosed that the Traditional Medicine University is currently turning out practitioners, offering courses from diploma level to master’s degree in traditional medicine. With the support and encouragement of the government, it will be possible to offer doctoral degrees in traditional medicine starting in the academic year 2025.
To modernize and develop Myanmar’s traditional medicine, he highlighted that it is necessary to further integrate and collaborate with the traditional medicine sectors of other countries.
During the time when the COVID-19 pandemic, he recounted that research was successfully conducted on the effectiveness of traditional medicine, particularly the indigenous herbal medicine (Visama fever medicine), for prevention and treatment, and such a drug is distributed at traditional medicine hospitals free of charge.
He underscored that this year’s conference and seminar will be held with the objectives of: Achieving quality recognition in traditional medicine education; advancing the development of traditional medicine and ensuring the production of traditional medicines in line with modern standards; turning out more highly qualified traditional medicine practitioners; and promoting respect and appreciation for Myanmar’s traditional medicine heritage and cultural legacy.
The Vice-Senior General presented the first work performance award to Bago Traditional Medicine Hospital (50- bed), the second to Taunggyi Traditional Medicine Hospital (50-bed) and the third to Hpa-an Traditional Medicine Hospital (50-bed) through medical superintendents respectively.
SAC member Deputy Prime Minister Union Minister for Defence Admiral Tin Aung San and SAC member Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Yar Pyae presented prizes to outstanding traditional medicine hospitals.
A video clip on the development of traditional medicine was screened.
The Vice-Senior General visited the exhibition of traditional medicines and the booth of the Traditional Medicine Department.
Also present at the ceremony were SAC members, Union ministers, the Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman, deputy ministers, senior Tatmadaw officers, ambassadors and charges d’affaires of foreign embassies to Myanmar, and officials.
In the evening, the Vice-Senior General attended dinner in honour of the conference and seminar together with dignitaries.
Currently, throughout Myanmar, there are three traditional medicine hospitals (100- bed), nine hospitals (50-bed), 13 25-bed hospitals, and 24 16-bed hospitals. Additionally, there are 50 district traditional medicine clinics and 210 township clinics, all of which provide healthcare services to the national people. — MNA/TTA
