Commemorating ceremony: MoH UM attended traditional medicine practitioners’ day

A ceremony commemorating Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners’ Day, which will fall on the full moon day of Tabaung in the year 1386 of the Myanmar calendar, was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Health Nay Pyi Taw on March 10.

The Union Minister forHealth, Professor Dr. Thet Khaing Win, presided over the event. In his opening address, the Union Minister expressed that Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners’ Day is observed on the full moon day of Tabaung, designated as an auspicious day, to honor and pay respect to the merits of Myanmar traditional medicine.

He noted that this tradition has been upheld by great practitioners across generations without interruption. He further stated that, to systematically develop and advance traditional medicine, the state had previously awarded diplomas in traditional medicine, and in 2002, established the University of Traditional Medicine, enabling individuals to progressively pursue degrees such as a Bachelor, Master and even a Doctorate in Myanmar Traditional Medicine.

The government has continuously prioritized and supported these efforts. He also highlighted that, to align the traditional medicine sector with modern times, Myanmar has engaged with international organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, and the Mekong region, participating in conferences and exchange programs alongside member countries, discussing and coordinating efforts to advance the development of traditional medicine. Following this, Director-General of the Department of Traditional Medicine Dr. Su Su Dwe, provided an explanation regarding the purpose of holding Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners’ Day.

As part of the program, senior and distinguished traditional medicine practitioners were honored with gifts. The Union Minister presented awards to Patron of the Myanmar Traditional Medicine Council U Myint Lwin, as well as to traditional medicine practitioners who received performance awards.

The Deputy Minister, the Director-General of the Department of Traditional Medicine, and representatives from the Myanmar Traditional Medicine Council, the Traditional Medicine Advisory Committee, the Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association, and the Association of Traditional Medicine Manufacturers and Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs also presented various awards.

The hospital superintendent of the 50-bed Traditional Medicine Hospital in Bago Township U Aung Soe Lwin, who received a performance award, extended words of thanks, after which the ceremony concluded successfully. Following the event, the Union Minister, officials, guests, award recipients, and traditional medicine practitioners took part in a group photo session for documentation, it’s learnt.