State Policy on Traditional and Alternative Medicine
- Based on the Traditional & Alternative Medicine Act of 1997 (R.A. No. 8423), the policy aims to improve health care delivery by integrating traditional and alternative health care modalities into the national health care system.
- The focus is to provide affordable, accessible, and effective health care options beyond conventional medicine.
Role of the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC)
- PITAHC, established under R.A. No. 8423, is the primary agency tasked with implementing the state policy on traditional and alternative medicine.
- It coordinates with government agencies, non-government organizations, the herbal and natural products industry, the private sector, and practitioners.
Importance of Primary Health Care and Healthy Lifestyle
- Emphasizes the significance of primary health care as the first line of defense.
- Encourages the Filipino people to adopt healthy lifestyles and be informed of available traditional and alternative medicine options that are effective and affordable for disease prevention and healing.
Utilization and Research of Medicinal Plants
- Recognizes the existence of approximately 2,000 medicinal plants in the country.
- Calls for accelerated research and development to fully harness these plants for medical purposes.
Implementation and Coordination of Activities
- Authorizes PITAHC and the Department of Health to organize and coordinate celebratory activities during November.
- Encourages participation and support from all government departments, agencies, and government-owned and controlled corporations.
Executive Authority and Effectivity
- Declared under the authority of the President of the Republic of the Philippines to promote the development of traditional and alternative medicine in the interest of public welfare.
- Formalized with the President's signature and the seal of the Republic, establishing the legal effectivity of the proclamation.