The Ministry of Health (MOH) must explain why traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) clinics are not listed under the essential services, TCM clinics said.

They said their industry was allowed to operate under the previous two rounds of movement-control orders (MCO 1.0 and MCO 2.0) but now told to close operations in this current full lockdown from June 1 to 14.

Leaders of the Chinese medicine chambers of commerce told The Malaysian Insight that TCM must be included as essential service and allowed to operate as it provides healthcare needs.

Chinese Physicians Medicine Dealers Associations Malaysia (FCPMDAM) president Ting Ka Hua said MOH has not discussed anything with the TCM groups.

“I think that since TCM had been passed through legislation in 2013 and became part of the Malaysian medical system, it would not make sense to exclude the TCM.

“It is necessary for MOH to explain its reasons. Our TCM practitioners are also regarded in the life-saving and healing field,” Ting said.

Some industry operators also questioned why veterinarians and optical shops were allowed to operate but not TCM practitioners.

Ting suggested that the government tightened the standard operating procedures (SOP) of the TCM field instead of turning a blind eye by excluding the industry from essential services.

“You can’t say that it’s not open for business, it’s a joke to say that you can’t see a doctor.

“Let us know your argument, are we not professional enough? Why did the government then legislate to recognise the profession?” Ting said.

What about our patients?
Federation of Chinese Physicians & Acupuncturists Association of Malaysia (FCPAAM) chairman Dr Ng Po Kok, meanwhile, said TCM was allowed to operate in MCO 1.0 and MCO 2.0 after they filed an appeal.

“During MCO 2.0, they said TCM can operate, except for acupuncture and massage activities.

“The situation this time directly stated that TCM did not fall within the essential services category.

“The MOH’s TCM division issued a notice on June 1 stating that TCM is not a necessary service and is not allowed to operate,” Ng said.

He said there were patients who needed long-term TCM services, including those suffering from strokes, sprains, and certain injuries that required continuous acupuncture treatment to relieve the situation.

“There will be difficulties if you take a two-week break in treatment. The main thing is that the patient’s hardship cannot be resolved.”

He added that the impact of the income and turnover of the industry by the suspension under MCO 3.0 full lockdown was secondary.
 
“Some hospitals can’t handle these cases. Many people contact us for consultation but we can’t help them.

“What can be done is to sell medicine, if necessary, but this is not an absolute solution.”

Recently, Perak assemblyman Howard Lee also urged the National Security Council to revise the SOP to allow TCM clinics to operate. – June 5, 2021.