September-October | The HEALTH

Honouring excellence in traditional Chinese medicine with the Golden Medical Awards

BY ADELINE ANTHONY ALPHONSO

After a hiatus , the Federation of Chinese Physicians and Acupuncturists Associations Malaysia ( FCPAAM ) will once again gather to celebrate the excellence and contributions of traditional Chinese medicine ( TCM ).

The event , now in its third edition , will take place on Oct 21 , 2024 , at the HXC Grand Ballroom ( ICC Pudu ), Kuala Lumpur .

This special evening will highlight the outstanding efforts of TCM practitioners and organisations whose work has been instrumental in improving health and wellness across Malaysia .

HONORING THE PIONEERS AND LEADERS OF TCM

Since its inception in 2018 , the Golden Medical Award has been a platform to recognise individuals and enterprises that have made significant strides in TCM .

According to the FCPAAM President Prof Dr Ng Po Kok , this award ceremony aims to commend outstanding individuals and enterprises in the field of traditional Chinese medicine , as well as doctors who have made remarkable contributions .

This year ’ s categories are divided into two main groups : the TCM Group and the Health Care Group .

Among the key awards in the TCM

Group are :

• The Famous Doctor Contribution Award , which honours doctors who have made significant clinical and research contributions ,

• The TCM Inheritance Famous Doctor Award which recognises those who have advanced TCM through teaching and mentorship . In the Health Care Group ;

• The TCM Enterprise Brand Award acknowledges leading enterprises in the TCM industry while

• The TCM Health Care Brand Award celebrates brands with significant influence in healthcare . This year , FCPAAM hopes to gather as many sponsors and supporters as possible to ensure the evening ’ s success . Ng emphasised that this award isn ’ t just about recognition but also about supporting the ongoing work of TCM in

Malaysia .

“ We also hope that merchants and registered members will actively support and sponsor the dinner so that the association can continue to protect the rights of Chinese medicine and promote various Chinese medicine activities ,” he added .

THE RETURN POST-PANDEMIC

What sets this year ’ s ceremony apart is its post-pandemic significance .

After a long pause due to Covid-19 , this edition marks the first time the TCM community has come together again to celebrate excellence since 2019 . The pandemic deeply impacted the TCM sector , requiring practitioners to adapt to new circumstances , often providing consultations online .

Now , as restrictions have eased , the Golden Medical Award symbolises a new beginning for TCM professionals who continued their invaluable work despite unprecedented challenges .

Ng highlighted the importance of this comeback , saying : “ Even though we faced difficulties during the pandemic , TCM practitioners did not stop their duties .

“ This year ’ s award is a reminder of their resilience and commitment to the public .”

“ We hope these awards will encourage more TCM practitioners to focus on public service , especially through charity work ”.

– Prof Dr Ng Po Kok

REGULATING AND PROMOTING TCM

FCPAAM , as one of the main regulatory bodies for TCM in Malaysia , plays a crucial role in ensuring that practitioners are registered and adequately trained .

The federation , which boasts around 5,000 registered members , assists in regulating the industry and educating practitioners .

Ng explained : “ Before , our role was to help our TCM members to register with the Ministry of Health ( MOH ), especially those who may not have formal university degrees but have practised for many years .”

While the registration process officially ended on Aug 31 , 2024 , FCPAAM continues to offer support and guidance to TCM practitioners .

The federation is committed to educating its members about what is allowed under current regulations to ensure that all practitioners operate within the legal framework .

Beyond regulation , FCPAAM remains actively involved in raising the standards of TCM in Malaysia , working closely with government bodies to improve the recognition and integration of TCM into the country ’ s healthcare system .

Ng also believes that FCPAAM ’ s efforts will help elevate the practice of TCM , benefiting both practitioners and the public .

THE FUTURE OF TCM IN MALAYSIA

With TCM becoming increasingly accepted in Malaysia , the future looks bright for its integration into modern healthcare .

Ng is optimistic about the growing role of TCM in treating chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes , where western medicine may not always offer a complete solution .

“ TCM may not cure these conditions , but it can certainly improve patients ’ quality of life ,” he explained .

He also emphasised that TCM is not only popular among Chinese Malaysians but has also attracted interest from other ethnic groups , including Malays and Indians , who are drawn to treatments such as acupuncture and herbal remedies .

Looking ahead , FCPAAM hopes that the Golden Medical Award will continue to inspire the next generation of TCM practitioners to work harder and contribute more to society .

Ng remarked : “ We hope these awards will encourage more TCM practitioners to focus on public service , especially through charity work ”.

As FCPAAM gears up for the event , the return of the Golden Medical Award signifies not only a celebration of excellence but also the resilience and enduring importance of traditional medicine in Malaysia ’ s evolving healthcare landscape . – The HEALTH