Lessons on integration from the developing world's experience Commentary: Challenges in using traditional systems of medicine

# Lessons on integration from the developing world's experience #article-title-2 It is now recognised that about half the population of industrialised countries regularly use complementary medicine. Higher education, higher income, and poor health are predictors of its use. 1 This growth in consumer demand and availability of services for complementary medicine has outpaced the development of policy by governments and health professions. As Western governments grapple with policy issues entailed in integrating complementary medicine into national health services, many developing countries have long since addressed these issues. Their experience constitutes a valuable, although largely unexplored, pool of policy data. #### Summary points Integration works best when based on self regulation in relation to standards of practice and training This needs to be matched by a central or regional system for drug control and evaluation and maintenance of good manufacturing practice; this system should also generate and support a comprehensive programme of research When conventional medicine dominates complementary medicine, loss of essential features of complementary medicine can occur, and professional conflicts can arise Policy should aim to keep fees for complementary medicine affordable and within reach of all levels of society Major sectoral investment is a prerequisite for the development of effective services for complementary medicine; underinvestment risks perpetuating poor standards of practice, services, and products # Traditional medicine #article-title-3 Almost 20 years ago the World Health Organization estimated that “In many countries, 80% or more of the population living in rural areas are cared for by traditional practitioners and birth attendants. ”2 The WHO has since backed away from the 80% estimate, settling for the safer position that most of the population of most developing countries regularly use traditional medicine. Whereas most people use traditional medicine in developing countries, only a minority have regular access to reliable modern medical services. Hence the formalisation of the traditional sector has implications for equity, coverage of primary health care, and …