. Ahmad Negahban; . Mohammadreza Maleki; . Alireza Abbassian
Volume 9, Issue 11 , November 2019, , Pages 1-6
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the integration of traditionalmedicine into each country’s health systems by formulating and implementing national ...
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INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the integration of traditionalmedicine into each country’s health systems by formulating and implementing national policies andlaws in accordance with the country’s own situation. This study aims to examine and analyze thenational laws and regulations in Iran concerning the integration of traditional medicine into the healthsystem of the country based on the WHO definition.METHODS: Policy document analysis was performed through content analysis according to theWHO components for the integration of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM ) into healthsystems. All government and state websites were explored to locate policy‑associated documentsand laws. Only documents were ultimately included in the study that had been approved by a seniorofficial of a ministry.RESULTS: Nine policy documents related to T&CM were found. In these documents, referencewas made to the availability of education (26 cases), regulation (20 cases), availability of therapies(17 cases), research (15 cases), and insurance coverage (7 items).CONCLUSIONS: While policies and laws on the integration of T&CM in Iran have been formulated,this research showed that these policies have been implemented slowly or, in cases, not implementedat all. The government and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education need to take measures inthis regard after they have evaluated the policies and programs. Given the tendency of the Iranianpeople to T&CM , the insurance of T&CM and the development of clinics and hospitals should beprioritized.