Myanmar Traditional Medical Seminar: 23rd Myanmar Traditional Practitioners’ Conference

With the aim of promoting the recognition of quality standards in traditional medicine education, advancing the development of traditional medicine, producing traditional medicines in line with modern standards, training more qualified traditional medicine practitioners, and fostering respect for Myanmar's traditional cultural heritage, the 23rd Myanmar Traditional Practitioners’ Conference and Myanmar Traditional Medical Seminar commenced in Nay Pyi Taw on Friday.

After the ceremonial ribbon cutting event, Patron of the Leading Committee on Organizing the Conference, Vice Chairman of the State Administration Council Deputy Prime Minister Vice Senior General Soe commenced the conference.

A video message, sent by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was screened during the opening ceremony. In his speech, the Vice Senior General stressed the government’s efforts to promote the health standard of the nation, while encouraging for development of traditional medicine field. He urged all to strive for achieving more success in the future, keeping abreast with the current trend of age.

During the ceremony, the outstanding performance awards were presented to the traditional medicine hospitals. Myanmar traditional potent herbal medicines have been using since the times of ancient monarchs to provide treatment to the public.

During the reign of King Min Don in Yadanapon Era, the Sayadaws and Practitioners translated Ayurveda Medicinal Treatise to Myanmar Language, along with the compiling of treatises on traditional medicines. Those with skillful qualification were conferred with Nay Myo Bhisakka Raja Title and appointed as the Royal Physician.

Since the government is promoting the traditional medicine field, The Department of Traditional Medicine was formed as a separate department in 1989, achieving significant progress with smooth work flow.

In 2001, the Traditional Medicine University was opened in Mandalay, offering Bachelor and Master Degrees in traditional medicine. Starting 2025, the Doctorate Degree will be offered at the university.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Withama Antipyretic medicine was successful manufactured through research works, and it has been distributed free of charge to the Traditional Medicine Hospitals.

At present, there are three 100-bed Traditional Medicine Hospitals, nine 50-bed hospitals, thirteen 25-bed hospitals, twenty four 16-bed hospitals, 50 district clinics and 210 township level clinics across the country.