CHC supports WHO strategy

The Complementary Healthcare Council of Australia (CHC) has welcomed the publication of the World Health Organization (WHO) Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014- 2023, with CHC CEO Carl Gibson saying he is heartened to see that it stresses the importance of traditional medicines to the totality of health care. “Complementary medicines are an often underestimated part of the health care system that contribute strongly to wellbeing and to ensuring that all people have access to care, and the WHO Strategy emphasises this,” said Gibson.

 “It is pleasing to read of a growing global recognition, not just by the WHO but also by many countries, for the need to develop a cohesive and integrative approach to health care that allows governments, health care practitioners and, most importantly, consumers, to access complementary medicines in an effective, safe and respectful manner.

 “As highlighted in the WHO strategy,” he continued, “the use of complementary medicines has a long history of use in health maintenance and in disease prevention and treatment, particular for chronic disease.

 “In Australia, our vibrant complementary medicines industry has much to offer in terms of contribution to the preventative health agenda.” The CHC urged the federal government to use the principles outlined in the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023 to inspire policies that recognise the vital contribution of complementary medicines to a comprehensive Australian health care system.

 Source: pharmacydaily.com,Thursday 5 December 2013