Advocates Propose Legalizing Herbal Medications Prescription
Changing Tides in Thai Healthcare:
In a shift from the norm, Thailand's Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin, has advocated for the promotion of herbal medicines over Western pharmaceuticals in treating common illnesses. This push, he explains, offers patients alternative treatment options.
Medical professionals, particularly those in state-run hospitals, are encouraged to consider prescribing herbal remedies. By doing so, they could potentially lessen the nation's reliance on imported drugs, decrease treatment costs, and boost public confidence in herbal medicine's efficacy.
Emphasizing the initiative's purpose, Somsak clarified that it's not intended as a mandate for doctors but merely a suggestion for physicians. While doctors maintain the freedom to choose medications, clinics and hospitals promoting traditional remedies might benefit from incentives provided by the National Health Security Office (NHSO). The NHSO sets aside around one billion baht annually to support the promotion of Thai herbal medicines.
However, concerns amongst doctors linger. One unidentified doctor mentioned the unfamiliarity of these remedies with scientific frameworks, as many have yet to be scientifically proven. Another pointed out the potential expense of certain herbal remedies due to limited market supply. And yet, others worry the recommendation might lead to treatment delays in patients.
To counter these concerns over limited supply and high prices, Somruek Chungsaman, the director-general of the Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Department, highlighted that there are already 44 private companies and state-run agencies mass-producing these remedies to meet the growing demand.
Claiming the efficacy of traditional herbs, he points out that they are included in the national essential medicines list. These herbs have been proven effective in treating five common health conditions: flu, muscle pain, constipation, flatulence, and haemorrhoids.
Addressing concerns amongst unfamiliar doctors, Somruek assured that hospital information systems display prescription details, including dosages and treatment guidelines for herbal drugs. As doctors become more accustomed to these medicines, he believes they will grow comfortable prescribing them. In fact, resistance to the new system, according to Somruek, is more due to internal miscommunication rather than policy flaws.
The department is planning a survey to gather feedback from the nation's doctors. The data collected will aid in refining the strategies for promoting Thai herbal medicine in the future.
This initiative aims to reduce healthcare costs and foster national health sovereignty backed by the NHSO. However, it faces skepticism from healthcare professionals due to concerns about scientific support and practical challenges. The long-term impact on public health will rely on balancing these incentives with rigorous evaluation of herbal medicine efficacy and ensuring patient safety.
While this endeavor aligns with Thailand's broader strategy to enhance its wellness economy, addressing doctors' concerns and monitoring clinical outcomes are crucial to its success and maintaining public health.
- In addition to herbal medicines, the minister also recommends evaluating the role of supplements, particularly those derived from traditional crops, in health-and-wellness, as they could potentially provide alternative sources of essential nutrients and pharmaceutical compounds.
- Given the growing interest in mental-health, therapies-and-treatments like meditation and acupuncture, rooted in traditional medicine, can be considered as part of the holistic approach towards health promotion, helping to reduce mental stress and improve overall wellbeing.
- Recognizing the importance of proper nutrition, the department is exploring ways to encourage the use of native superfoods and herbs in Thai cooking for daily consumption, boosting mental health, and enhancing the nation's health-and-wellness offerings within the wellness economy.
