Bringing rival medicine systems closer to help masses
Bringing alternative medicine into mainstream to help majority
Traditional sector significantly contributing towards promoting health
Alternatives have medical, economic implications, global herbal sale exceeds $ 50b
Islamabad: [Nov 05]
The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Saturday said bringing alternative system of medicine into the mainstream can help reduce healthcare costs and make government's goal of health for all a reality.
Despite tremendous advancements in modern medicine, around 75 per cent of the developing world and 50 per cent of the western population prefer alternative medicines.
Interest in alternative healthcare system is growing as worldwide while sales of herbal products have skyrocketed to $50 billion a year with Pakistan enjoying eighth position, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President of the PEW.
Alternatives remains attractive due to proximity, economic considerations, beliefs, family pressure, past experience and community opinion, he said while speaking at inauguration ceremony of Health Studio at Gulistan Colony where masses would be provided free advice through internet and social media.
Underlining need for tough regulations for the production, sale, and use of alternatives to ensure quality, safety and efficacy, he said adding that that integration of all medicine systems can serve the common goal of improving health of the people.
Dr. Murtaza Mughal who is also President of Council of Alternate Medical Practitioners (CAMP) said that alternative medicines including homeopathy are significantly contributing towards promoting health; it has helped produce marvellous results.
Non-drug treatment is attracting many; there is a growing trend to utilise mainstream medicine for diagnosis before turning to alternatives, he informed.
He said that allopathic system is unable to serve rural majority therefore alternative medicines should be promoted after proper training and capacity-building programmes for practitioners to bring them into the mainstream.
The proponents of the allopathy, which retains influence over the entire healthcare system, should not take others as rivals and stop looking down upon them for common good, said Dr. Mughal.
Inclusion of some introductory modules of other systems into the orthodox medical curriculum can help develop understanding and bridge the communication gap, he said.
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Dr. Murtaza Mughal
Cell: 0321-5157671
President Pakistan Economy Watch
www.pakistaneconomywatch.com
