Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 698)
Republic Act No. 8423, also known as the Traditional & Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997, serves as the basis for Proclamation No. 698.
RA No. 8423 declares it the policy of the State to improve the quality and delivery of health care services through the development of traditional and alternative health care and its integration into the national health care delivery system.
The Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC), created under RA No. 8423, is primarily responsible for implementing the policy on traditional and alternative health care.
PITAHC collaborates with other government agencies, non-government organizations, the herbal and natural products industry, the private sector, and practitioners of traditional and complementary/alternative health care modalities.
Because much of the medical care in the country focuses on primary health care as the first line of defense, promoting healthy lifestyles and awareness of traditional and alternative medicine options helps prevent and heal a wide variety of diseases affordably and effectively.
There are about 2,000 medicinal plants in the Philippines, highlighting the need to accelerate research and development for medical use to benefit public health.
The Department of Health, together with PITAHC and other participating agencies, is tasked to plan, organize, and coordinate activities for the celebration of the Traditional & Alternative Health Care Month.
Yes, all government departments, agencies, and government-owned or controlled corporations are enjoined to support and participate in the celebration.