Is it Possible to Develop Global Clinical Practice Guidelines for Traditional Medicine? / 日本東洋医学雑誌

ABSTRACT

Since 2004, the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WHO/WPRO) has been in the process of developing international clinical practice guidelines (CPU), for the use of traditional medicines. There are, however, major differences in the medical licensing, drug approval and health insurance systems among nations within this Region. Furthermore, there is yet not enough evidence to develop reliable CPU. It is highly possible that any such CPU could cause legal and administrative, as well as healthcare problems. Japan should approach this issue with caution.