Remarks at the 14th International Congress of Oriental Medicine
President Chen Shui-bian
Republic of China (Taiwan)
December 2, 2007
Conference Chair Professor Lin, Distinguished Guests, Esteemed Experts and Academics, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Good morning to you all!
First of all, on behalf of the government and 23 million people of Taiwan, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you attending the 14th International Congress of Oriental Medicine, especially those of you who have traveled from afar. I would also like to express my respect for your commitment and contributions to Oriental medicine, for furthering research and development in this field, for promoting related international academic exchanges, for expanding this tradition's use, and for working to improve the health of all humankind.
The World Health Organization, which has placed an increasing emphasis on traditional medicine, published in 2002 the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2002-2005. In this plan, the WHO urged nations to increase basic research into traditional medicine and facilitate the integration of traditional medicine into national health policies, so that the public could enjoy better healthcare. Traditional medicine has become a key area of medical research and development. As well, international medical journals have published many articles about the remarkable progress that has been made in traditional medicine.
Since the 1st International Congress of Oriental Medicine was held in Seoul in 1976, academics and practitioners specializing in Oriental medicine in Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and other countries have demonstrated that the Oriental tradition is a viable alternative to Western medicine in the treatment of various illnesses, including a number of chronic and geriatric ailments. This conference, with its theme "The Globalization of Oriental Medicine," has attracted over 2,000 participants from 15 countries. I believe that it will serve as a model by promoting Oriental medicine and broadening the public's understanding of this medical tradition.
In Taiwan, policies to bolster traditional medicine have borne a great deal of fruit. Many local institutions have also been making strides on Oriental medicine. The Department of Health's Committee on Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy has spared no effort in pushing for policies that will modernize Chinese medicine and make its practice and application more scientific. The National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine is the largest research center for Chinese herbal medicine in Taiwan. The China Medical University, seeking to cultivate skilled practitioners of Chinese medicine, has become the first medical university in Taiwan to bring together the Chinese and Western traditions in its program.
Doctors of both Chinese and Western medicine serve under our National Health Insurance Program, and our people have benefited immensely from access to traditional medicine. Thanks to government initiatives, Taiwan not only continues to make use of long-established medical practices, but has also discovered new treatments and cures. The research papers to be presented at this conference are proof of the commitment academia, government, and industry in Taiwan have made to the development of traditional medicine.
In looking to the future, we must remain dedicated to continuing research and development into Oriental medicine; promoting international cooperation and exchanges in this field; cultivating and training a greater number of practitioners; establishing healthcare systems that combine Chinese and Western medicine; expanding projects to grow medicinal herbs; formulating new herbal drugs; and strengthening protection of intellectual property rights. I believe that, as specialists around the world persevere in their endeavors, humankind will further benefit from Oriental medicine, and that this tradition has a bright future.
In closing, I would like to encourage you to take some time after this conference to experience Taiwan's natural beauty, our celebrated cuisine, and the warmth of our people. I wish this conference every success, and all of you health and happiness. Thank you!