Sometimes conventional, allopathic or western medicine alone, might not prove effective against Covid-19 and this is why Chinese Traditional and Complementary Medicine  (TCM) by practitioner groups in the country are being allowed to operate following revisions of the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Welcoming this new move under the first phase of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) is the Federation of Chinese Physicians and Medicine Dealers Associations of Malaysia, Federation of Chinese Physicians & Acupuncturists Association of Malaysia, Malaysian Chinese Medical Association and Malaysian Chinese Medical Society of Epidemic Control and Prevention.

TCM was initially allowed to operate following appeals made by the various associations during the two earlier Movement Control Orders (MCOs).

However, due to the lockdown from June 1 followed by  Phase One of the NRP, the TCM industry was again restricted from operating.

But according to the latest SOP, updated on July 31, 2021 TCM practitioners can now provide services in premises licensed by the local governments and not at the home of the practitioner or client.

While maintaining physical distancing, practitioners can conduct face-to-face consultations including acupuncture and chiropractic services. Each service is limited to one person and has a time limit of an hour at the treatment room.

Practitioners are required to wear three-ply surgical masks, face shields, gloves and disposable gowns. However, it is much preferred that online consultation or teleconsultation be conducted.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE