By Bang Moon-kyu
In 2007, the World Health Organization (WHO) decided to include the International Classification of Traditional Medicine (ICTM) in the derived classifications based on the reference classification of the WHO Family of International Classifications Network (WHO-FIC). Furthermore, as a result of the concerted efforts by Korea in exerting proactively over the last 11 years along with China and Japan, the 11th revised edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) _ due to be published in 2018 _ will include traditional medicine.
Such a heightened interest in and demand for traditional medicine in many countries can be explained by greying populations.
With the number of patients suffering from chronic geriatric illnesses on the rise and growing interest in well-being, traditional medicine which is highlighted by preventive medicine and prophylaxis, and a holistic approach to healing is gaining popularity as an alternative to conventional medicine.
Globally, the traditional medicine market is growing by an average of 5.98 percent annually, and is estimated to expand from ($114.2 billion) in 2015 to ($154.3 billion) by 2020.
Traditional Korean Medicine is also a modern medicine founded on tradition, and since the introduction of Traditional Korean Medicine practitioners in 1951, it has established itself as one of the pillars of the modern health care system of Korea.
However, with fast-paced progress in modern science and technologies as well as in overall medical services, Traditional Korean medicine is faced with many challenges at home and abroad.
The most frequently-posed questions in the 21st century revolve around its reliability. In effect, there are calls for Traditional Korean medicine to be more evidence-based and standardized.
To rise to the occasion, the government and the field of pan-Traditional Korean medicine have been implementing evidence-based initiatives in line with the "Third Comprehensive Plans to Develop Traditional Korean Medicine" established in 2016.
As part of the initiative, Clinical Practical Guidelines for Traditional Korean Medicine began the draft process in 2016 and will be applied to 30 of the most frequently occurring conditions in Traditional Korean Medicine including facial nerve paralysis and Lumber Herniated Intervertebral Disc.
In conjunction with the guidelines, clinical research will be conducted to solidify scientific bases of Traditional Korean Medicine by 2021.
At the same time, public infrastructure of Traditional Korean Medicine to help test its safety and efficacy is being prepared.
To be specific, 30 billion won will be invested over the next three years to build non-clinical research facilities to help conduct toxicity tests on herbal medicinal products and materials, and clinical research facilities to help carry out clinical trials of herbal medicines, as well as standard herbal decoction facilities.
These investments are expected to improve the trust of the public in regards to Traditional Korean Medicine, and lay the foundation for its further development while creating an environment conducive to the advancement of the international market.
In addition, more Research and Development (R&D) commitments are indispensable for further growth of Traditional Korean Medicine.
It is noteworthy that an adjunctive cancer therapy derived from a Samul-tang Gagambang composition developed by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute as part of an R & D project of the Ministry of Health and Welfare has been granted approval for phase II clinical trials by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Samul-tang Gagambang which is a Traditional Korean Medicine decoction mainly composed of Korean angelica root, cnidium, and peony root, has been prescribed to treat menstrual irregularities and infertility.
However, it also appears to boost certain anti-cancer properties of cancer drugs. Additionally, the Ministry of Health and Welfare is supporting international joint clinical research efforts that are being carried out by Mokhuri Hospital of Oriental Medicine in Korea and Mayo Clinic in the U.S. to identify the effects of Chuna therapy and acupuncture in treating spinal diseases.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare will continue to make greater investments in R & D activities for Traditional Korean Medicine.
Efforts towards "scientization" and standardization of Traditional Korean Medicine are expected to contribute to the expansion of medical protection and alleviation of medical burdens on patients.
In February, a pilot program of Chuna therapy to be covered by the National Health Insurance scheme at 65 traditional Korean medical clinics across the nation was promoted to give patients suffering from musculoskeletal disorders access to a standardized Chuna therapy at an affordable cost.
The key to a brighter future lies in the further "scientization" and standardization of Traditional Korean Medicine.
However, government policies alone are not enough to pull this off.
The accumulation of scientific evidence garnered from clinical research efforts, standardization of medical consultation processes, development of medical technologies based on the mechanisms of traditional Korean medicine, and the set up of specifications for herbal medicine and related materials, along with the continued provisions of training regarding Traditional Korean Medicine are some of the tasks that need to be taken up by pooling the wisdom of the Traditional Korean Medicine industry and related stakeholders together.
The writer is the vice health and welfare minister.
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