Sunday, December 28, 2008

Traditional and Alternative Medicine as Main Focus in Health Care Month Convention

With the country’s vast natural resources and rich history in alternative medicine, specialists in various fields of traditional and alternative health care discussed new developments in their respective field during the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) 5th Annual Convention held last November 19 – 21, 2008 at the Pan Pacific Manila in Malate, Manila City.

Carrying the theme "Harmonizing Traditional, Alternative and Modern Medicine for Today's Health Care”, the event, which coincided with the celebration of the Traditional and Alternative Health Month, aims to provide new insights in herbal medicine practice, increase awareness and advocate the use of effective alternative and traditional medicines that are available in the market.

During the convention, medical experts and government officials shared new information on known areas of traditional and alternative health care. Some notable personalities include Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary for Sports and Wellness Tourism Cynthia L. Carrion who discussed on how the Philippines can become the new hub of wellness and medical care in Asia. Award-winning chef Felix Schoener shared his mouthwatering recipes for raw food diet. Radio broadcaster and health guru Ms. Cory Quirino talked about popular natural beauty regiments. De La Salle Health Sciences Institute - Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine chair Dr. Dante Simbulan, Jr. explained about preventive medication through Hatha Yoga. Philippine Center for Traditional and Asian Medicine chairman Dr. Tan Cho-Choing introduced the use of acupuncture for neurological disorder. University of the Philippines – Diliman Medical Anthropology Professor Dr. Michael L. Tan gave an overview on the anthroposophical concept of Filipino Traditional Healing. And Filipino healing priest Rev. Fr. Efren Borromeo of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity disclosed the principle of spiritual healing.

An exhibit of the latest traditional and medical products and methods of health care was opened last November 21, 2008. Present in the ribbon-cutting ceremony were former senator and Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Juan M. Flavier, current DOH Sec. Francisco T. Duque III, DOH Usec. Jade F. del Mundo, Ms. Cory Quirino and PITAHC Director General Dr. Juvencio F. Ordoña.

Republic Act 8423, otherwise known as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997 gave rise to the creation of the PITAHC, a government owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) attached to the Department of Health. The institute was created to answer the present needs of the people on health care through the provision and delivery of traditional and alternative health care products, services and technologies that have been proven safe, effective and affordable.

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