Traditional healers, inherited remedies key to Vietnam's medical strategy

Vietnam is prioritizing the development of its traditional medicine sector by focusing on cultivating skilled practitioners and preserving inherited remedies. The nation's strategy involves nurturing a workforce capable of harmonizing traditional Vietnamese medicine (YHCT) with modern medical advancements, while upholding strong ethical principles and patient-centered care.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Tuan Hung, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Traditional Medicine, YHCT is recognized as a crucial pillar of the national healthcare system. He stressed the importance of recognizing the role of traditional healers, who are considered "living heritage" due to their extensive practical experience and the unique remedies passed down through generations. These practitioners possess knowledge not solely found in textbooks but gained through decades of clinical practice.

While progress has been made in recognizing traditional healers, such as the certification of 124 individuals by the Ministry of Health in 2019, the process has not been as consistent as hoped. This is particularly concerning as the demographic of traditional healers is aging, and many unique inherited remedies risk being lost if not promptly transmitted. The loss of a traditional healer can mean the disappearance of a vast, often unrecorded, body of knowledge.

Recent initiatives, including Ministry of Health Circular 02 of 2024, aim to facilitate the certification of traditional healers and those with inherited remedies. The circular also supports the integration of YHCT with modern medicine in healthcare facilities. These steps are seen as vital for safeguarding Vietnam's rich traditional medical heritage and ensuring its continued contribution to public health.

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Điều đáng lo ngại là khi một lương y mất đi, chúng ta không chỉ mất một người hành nghề mà còn có thể mất đi cả một kho tàng tri thức chưa được ghi chép đầy đủ.