PETALING JAYA: The practice of alternative medical therapies such as traditional or complementary medicine should be authorized as part of the first phase of the National Recovery Plan (PNR), says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

The president of the Alliance for Safe Community said cancer patients who undergo alternative medical treatment are now denied access to traditional and complementary medicine due to PNR.

“The Ministry of Health has long recognized that traditional medicine is useful and legitimate, and even has a division within it to deal with issues related to this branch of medical treatment.

“How can the provision of traditional medicine be disrupted at a time when their services are still needed for patients on treatment? he said.

Lee said the Association of Chiropractic Malaysia has also echoed the need to allow alternative medicine to function as it is an essential primary health service.

He said patients who were undergoing treatment at chiropractic clinics before the PNR are now denied the follow-up service they need.

“Chiropractic practitioners provide treatment to a range of patients with acute and chronic pain and conditions, such as acute low back pain, neck pain, chronic low back pain, headache, scoliosis and herniated discs, among others.

“If their conditions are not treated, they may need to be admitted to a hospital or to a medical facility for surgery, or other invasive procedures and / or medication,” he said, adding that allowing chiropractors to provide their services will alleviate the stress on the country’s healthcare system.

Lee urged the government to allow the resumption of these services with strict standard operating procedures.

“The members of the association are eager to play their role in meeting a need for basic health care at a time when any help is welcomed by the rakyat facing incessant challenges and difficulties,” he said. -he declares.