Various types of traditional medicine (TM) and medical practices referred to as complimentary or alternative medicine (CAM), have being increasingly used in both developing and developed countries. National policies and regulations on TM/CAM could ensure the safety, quality and efficacy of these therapies and products, and function as important steps towards integrative health care systems. However, relatively few countries have developed policies and regulations on TM/CAM so far.
In order to assist Member States in the development of TM/CAM policies and regulations, WHO has published a series of technical guidelines, and reviewed regulations on herbal medicines in the document "Regulatory Situation of Herbal Medicines: a Worldwide Review" (WHO/TRM/98.1) printed in 1998 (also available in French and Spanish).
The present document provides a summary of the legal status of several major practices in TM/CAM from 123 countries, including data on:
- The situation as regards the use of TM/CAM;
- The regulatory situation of TM/CAM remedies and practitioners;
- Health insurance coverage of TM/CAM; and
- Education and training of practitioners of TM/CAM.
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