Traditional Medicine: 22nd Conference and Seminar commences in Nay Pyi Taw

The 22nd Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners’ Conference and Seminar commenced in Nay Pyi Taw on Thursday, with the opening ceremony attended by Vice Chairman of the State Administration Council, Deputy Prime Minister Vice Senior General Soe Win, who also serves as the Patron of the Leading Committee for Organizing the Conference and Seminar.

The opening ceremony featured a video message from Chairman of the State Administration Council, Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, acknowledging and honoring the significance of the event of Myanmar traditional medicine.

In his address, Vice Senior General Soe Win underscored the imperative to actively contribute to the development of Myanmar traditional medicine through collaboration with international counterparts. He emphasized the preservation of the fundamental theories and characteristics of Myanmar traditional medicine as an intangible cultural heritage.

The Vice Senior General urged practitioners to generate strong evidence affirming the authenticity of these elements and stressed the importance of safeguarding Myanmar traditional medicine as a national heritage. He called for the widespread use of traditional medicines in public health treatment, the cultivation of qualified human resources in the traditional medicinal sector, rigorous research efforts, and the production of potent medicines meeting international standards.

Furthermore, he urged the transmission of existing treatment therapies and medicines to future generations. The Vice Senior General called for collaborative efforts from all relevant departments, organizations, and individuals to propel the development of the traditional medicine sector.

This was followed by the screening of video clip on development endeavours of traditional medicine field. Then, the commemorative gift for the Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners’ Conference and Seminar was presented to the Vice Senior General.

After the ceremony, the Vice Senior General and party toured treatment rooms and booths showcasing traditional medicines. After a two-year suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual event, previously held from 2000 to 2019, resumed in 2022.

This year's conference and seminar focus on fostering collaboration with professionals and international organizations, advancing the development of safe and high-quality traditional medicines, training qualified practitioners, and enhancing public healthcare effectiveness through Myanmar Traditional Medicine.