PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia, whose research work in traditional and complementary medicine is still in the early stages, will benefit from China’s vast knowledge and experience in this field, says Khairy Jamaluddin (pic).

       The Health Minister said this is particularly so in the area of research for prevention and treatment of contagious and non-communicable diseases.

       “Studies in these areas will help the government to determine policies to reduce the burden of illnesses in Malaysia,” he said at a virtual signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation on traditional medicine between the governments of Malaysia and China on Thursday (March 31).

       Khairy led the Malaysian delegation, which included Malaysia’s ambassador to China Datuk Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin and Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

       China was represented by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (NATCM) commissioner Dr Yu Wen Ming and Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing.

       Khairy pointed out that traditional medicine in Malaysia is unique as it is an outcome of various heritage, culture, language and races living in the country, adding that traditional medicine has always played an important role in healthcare among the people.

       “The ministry is committed to developing traditional and complementary medicine. Our vision is to integrate it with modern medicine as an effort to boost the health and quality of life of all Malaysians,” he said.

       To realise this, the traditional and complementary medicine industry will be professionalised to ensure its services are safe, of quality and accessible to all, Khairy added.

       “The MOU will encourage, facilitate and promote cooperation between the two countries in the aspect of practices, raw materials and products, education, training as well as research.

       “The ministry hopes that an effective communication network can be further strengthened to allow exchange of technical, scientific and monitoring information to facilitate the drawing up of policies and strategies so that services and products used are safe and effective,” he added.

       Khairy said the MOU was not just an important initiative by both governments in the field of traditional medicine, particularly Chinese traditional medicine, but also a testament of the close relations that Malaysia and China have enjoyed for years.

       Malaysia and China had previously signed a similar MOU on Nov 7, 2011, in Beijing, China.

       Former health minister Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai represented the government while former NATCM commissioner Dr Wang Guoqiang signed on behalf of China.