Chinese Medicine Perth
Government Policy
The West Australian government has not sought to regulate traditional Chinese medicine. The reason for this is that the government believes that industry self-regulation is likely to be more successful and less intrusive in the longer term. Nevertheless, practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine practices are required to adhere to the state government’s professional health care standards and to follow appropriate business practices in accordance with the Trade Practices Act. There has been, however, circulating media reports that the West Australian government may decide to investigate the possibility of regulating traditional Chinese medicine in Perth in the coming years. One of the reasons for this possibility is the growing popularity of traditional Chinese medicine and the adoption of government regulation in Victoria.
Government Bodies for Traditional Chinese Medicine
There are presently no government bodies for traditional Chinese medicine in Western Australia or Perth. However, there are a number of university-based centres that focus on traditional Chinese medicine.
Murdoch University has established diploma courses on alternative medicine, as has Charles Sturt University. Both universities have sought to expand teaching of traditional Chinese medicine due to its increasing popularity from domestic and foreign students. The comparatively close geographic presence of Perth to South East Asia has also meant that the universities have sought to promote greater integration with South East Asian institutions and culture in regard to traditional Chinese medicine.
It is intended that graduates in traditional Chinese medicine fields will possess the following characteristics:
- Comprehensive understanding of the theory and practice of traditional Chinese medicine in Australia;
- Familiarity with the processes used for diagnosing conditions and diseases according to traditional Chinese medicine techniques;
- An understanding of, and compliance with, health care standards and professional service standards;
- Effective patient communication, as well as communication skills with other traditional Chinese medicine practitioners; and
- An understanding of the historical importance of traditional Chinese medicine in Australia and internationally.
National Coordination Body in Perth
There have been no recent initiatives from the National Institute of Complementary Medicine in regard to traditional Chinese medicine in Perth or Western Australia.
Advisory Committees
Advisory committees on traditional Chinese medicine are available at Charles Sturt University. The purpose of this advisory committee is to promote research on traditional Chinese medicine, as well as to provide public advice on its use and benefits. Information concerning this advisory committee and associated publications is available through their website.
Regulation of Herbal Medicines
While traditional Chinese medicine is not regulated in Perth or Western Australia, herbal medicines that may be used by traditional Chinese medicine are regulated by the Commonwealth Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Sydney
The Western Australia Institute of traditional Chinese medicine provides a number of courses and information sources. The courses are intended to promote professional and high quality practitioner services in the provision of traditional Chinese medicine, while the information sources provide information to the public on the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine.
Recent News
The recent news on traditional Chinese medicine in Perth has focused on growing public interest. The proximity of Perth to South East Asia has meant that traditional Chinese medicine has potential to become increasingly significant in Western Australia over the coming years.
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