THE Philippine Traditional and Herbal Medicine and Cosmetics Association (PhilTAHMCA) Inc. is pushing for the creation of an independent commission on alternative medicine.
Speaking during Kapehan sa Dabaw, Samuel Batiancila, chair of PhilTAHMCA, on Monday said that they are lobbying the separation of alternative medicine from the Department of Health (DOH) where it is currently attached to monitor the companies and individuals involved in alternative medicine business.
"(The purpose of this is) mabigyan ng independent practice at least kami ang mag-pulis hindi ang mga medical doctors kasi hindi man nila linya yan. How can you identify a herbal that is not good na hindi man nila pinag-aralan yan?," Batiancila said.
He said that alternative medicine has been practiced since ancient times which includes therapeutic massage, herbal medicine and other natural means as way of treating illnesses. Thus, he wanted the commission to be manned by people who are experts on alternative medicine.
"It is impractical for them to tell us na hindi gamot yan," he said.
Once approved, they will also coordinate with the Food Development Authority (FDA) to check the quality of the product, that it underwent proper processing and is free from contamination.
The position paper, he said, is being crafted and will be submitted to the Office of the President within this month. He also hopes for the President's approval.
He cited the content of the position paper, including the recommendation to set a standard on the proper training of individuals who are practitioners of alternative medicine or food supplements especially the networking companies.
"Dapat magkaroon ng tamang training para hindi lang kahit member lang ng networking company nag-practice na naggamot na hindi pwede yon," he said, citing that there is a need to properly cite the diet and deficiency of a certain person for proper referral of alternative medicine.
He added, "Kung magpractice ka, authorized ka at may credibility ka."
They also aim to standardize manufacturers of herbal products or food supplements and abide regulations to ensure that it is safe and effective.