Press Digest: Traditional Chinese medical schools close down after failing to meet MQA regulation

PETALING JAYA: Federation of Chinese Physicians and Acupuncturists Association of Malaysia says a number of traditional Chinese medicine schools have closed shop for failing to meet the requirements of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
Without MQA's accreditation, these schools were unable to recruit students, federation president Ng Kok Poh said, adding that some of them had been in operation for more than 10 years.
Speaking to China Press in an interview published today, Ng said in implementing the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) Act 2013, the Health Ministry should give due consideration to the survival of traditional Chinese medicine schools and provide a grace period for them to meet MQA's requirements.
"The Health Ministry should give a grace period of five to 10 years for schools to meet MQA's requirements in their courses. A grace period should also be given to traditional Chinese physicians and acupuncturists to register with the appropriate authorities," he said.
The (TCM) Act 2013, which was gazetted in February 2013, is expected to be implemented this year.
Ng said to overcome the act's restrictions, traditional Chinese medicine schools have no choice but to change their course syllabi, or switch to courses that focus on techniques such as tui na (massage) and cosmetic acupuncture.
Under the act, traditional Chinese medicine schools are not allowed to conduct diploma or degree courses that are not accredited by MQA.
Ng said TCM Act's stipulation that only registered Chinese physicians can prescribe medicine will also put Chinese medical halls in a spot.
"When a customer asks for herbs or herbal medicine, should the owner (physician without paper qualifications) oblige?"
He said Chinese medical hall operators have to be very cautious to avoid flouting the rules.
Under the TCM Act, practitioners will need to attend courses or workshops recognised by the government, and register with the ministry. Failing to register will result in them facing a penalty of up to RM30,000 for doing business without a valid licence from the ministry.