TCM in Asia
Singapore
By the 19th century, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) had spread to
Singapore along with the inflow of Chinese people and became an important
medical system there.
In the last 20 years, Chinese medicine has become an essential factor in
Singapore's various medical care enterprises. At present, there are more than 30
TCM treatment organizations and 1,000 TCM clinics.
Malaysia
Among Malaysian medicine shops, about 3,000 of them sell Chinese medicine and
most of them are inherited pharmacies. Although the Malaysian Medical Ministry
has been supportive of the development of TCM, the registration for Chinese
medicine doctor still has not been formed; in other words, people in Malaysia
can practice medicine without being registered.
Thailand
The Thai Government has admitted TCM's legal status. Only the doctor who
passes a test could get the provisional charter. As early as 1987, the
government passed a proposal for Chinese medicine. There are more than 800
Chinese medicine stores, most of them having doctors for customers to consult.
Vietnam
Since from very early on, Vietnam has allowed Chinese medicine to operate
alongside Western medicine. There are nearly 200 big-scale pharmacies in the
country. At present, 16 of China's drug enterprise has obtained license to
produce and sell medicine in Vietnam.
Japan
Since the 1980s, along with the quick development of Chinese medicine, the
Japanese Government has given more and more support and attention to the study
of TCM's application and research.
According to statistics, at present about 15,000 Japanese are engaged in
Chinese medicine, approximately 100,000 are engaged in acupuncture and massage,
and nearly 30,000 researchers in the study of TCM.
Moreover, Japan has more than 10 Chinese medicine study institutions, with
the drug departments of 44 public or private medical colleges having established
herb branch.
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