Traditional Medicine: Changes in trends of usage

Traditional medicine exists in most countries and areas in the
Western Pacific Region and makes a significant contribution to the
health of the people of the Region. Interest in traditional medicine
has increased over the last decade and seems likely to continue.
People now are more prepared to look for alternative approaches to
maintain their health.
There are no solid data on the extent of usage of traditional
medicine in the Region. However, data from several countries and
areas in the Region show that around 40% to 60% of the population
of these countries and areas use traditional medicine. For example,
traditional medicine accounts for around 40% of all health care
delivered in China and in Hong Kong, approximately 60% of the
population has consulted traditional medicine practitioners at one
time or another.3
The use of traditional/complementary medicine in industrialized
countries has increased significantly. Studies conducted in the US
show that complementary therapy usage increased from 34% in 1990
to 42% in 1997.4 In Australia, research has indicated that 48.5% of
the population used at least one non–medically prescribed alternative
medicine in 1993. The estimated national expenditure on alternative
medicines and alternative practitioners is close to A$1 000 million
per annum, of which A$621 million is spent on alternative medicines.5
An Australian government report in 1996 estimated that there were
at least 2.8 million traditional Chinese medicine consultations in
1996, representing an annual turnover of A$84 million within the
health economy. This growth was also reflected in a four–fold
increase in the importation of Chinese herbal medicines since 1992.6
Clearly, traditional medicine is widely used by the public, and
in some countries its use has increased dramatically. Increased
demands from public lead to increased interest and involvement of
the academic and scientific community. Concurrently, more and
more governments from countries and areas within the Region have
shown their interest and willingness to promote the proper use of
traditional medicine.

Source: www.who.int