Integrating traditional medicine into modern health care systems: Examining the role of Chinese medicine in Taiwan

Since the World Health Organization officially promoted traditional medicine in developing countries in 1978, there have been increasing interests among developing countries in integrating traditional medicine into a national health care system. Most of these policies, however, tend to be the policy of coexistence instead of integration. This paper focuses on the rationale, strategies, and process of integrating traditional medicine into a modern health care system by using the experience of Chinese medicine in Taiwan as an example. After briefly describing the changing roles of Chinese medicine in Taiwan, the author critically reviews the government policies and regulations on Chinese medicine. Research findings and government statistics on the demand and supply of Chinese medicine are also described to provide some insights for developing recommendations for an appropriate integration policy. To effectively integrate traditional medicine into a modern health care system, this paper suggests that such integration should begin at the grass roots level, that is with the training of physicians and practitioners. A successful, integrated health care system would facilitate more efficient use of domestic medical resources, and enhance self-sufficiency in health development for resource poor countries. Integrating traditional medicine into a modern health care system, moreover, can benefit industrialized nations as well. After recommending several strategies for integration, the author proposes a further development of a unified medical system as the final stage of full integration. This unified medical system should be an inclusive medical system, which could help countries to expand the available medical resources.