PETALING JAYA: The traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) sector should be given permission to operate under a strict standard operating procedure (SOP) during the first phase of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       “Given that traditional Chinese, Malay and Indian medicine are a part of our medical system, the need to seek traditional medicine treatment and supply should be considered on humanitarian grounds,” he said.

       The MCA president said he had a virtual discussion with leaders of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), five TCM associations as well as Acupuncture and Moxibustion Malaysia.

       The virtual call was to discuss the concerns of TCM patients seeking treatment during the first phase of the NRP.

       “I understand that many patients receive TCM and acupuncture treatment from public hospitals as well as private clinics.

       “Chronic patients are distressed over the restrictions that do not allow them to get (traditional) medicine and acupuncture treatment as they should,” Dr Wee posted on Facebook yesterday.

       He added that the five TCM associations were adopting lessons from Wuhan, China, by preparing an SOP covering TCM practitioners that would be proposed to the Health Ministry and National Security Council.

       TCM practitioners were allowed to operate in previous movement control orders after the associations involved made an appeal.

       Following the latest MCO announcement in June and subsequent Phase One of the NRP, TCM practitioners were once again restricted from operating.