Laos plans to promote traditional medicines
Laos plans to develop its human resources in the traditional medicine sector, seeking to capitalise on a broad base of traditional knowledge and a wide range of natural medicinal compounds. Lao peoples have had a long history in the use of traditional medicines in the country, with herbal and other compounds and extracts having been used to treat a variety of diseases and ailments. Herbal and plant medicines are commonly found not only in local communities but also at clinics and health outposts throughout the country. In Laos, the number of traditional medicines and registered traditional medicines has increased at most local hospitals over the past few years, Dr Kosonh Sosoulithanh confirmed. Most countries in ASEAN have achieved success in human resource development in this sector, including Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar. These countries also have traditional medicine universities.
