Gulf News: Is herbal medicine very popular in the UAE? Are there many outlets and clinics?Dr Sassan Behjat: Not only herbal, but almost all complementary and alternative systems of medicine are getting popular all over the world.
There are many reasons. According to the WHO, about 80 per cent of people in Africa use traditional medicine. People even in wealthy countries rely on alternative medicine. For instance In the UK, expenditure on alternative medicine is $230 million yearly.
In France, 75 per cent of the population has used complementary medicine at least once. In Germany, 77 per cent of pain clinics provide acupuncture.
According to the WHO, the global market for traditional therapies stands at $60 billion a year.It says there are patient safety issues and it could present a threat to biodiversity. In addition, unregulated use of these therapies will make them unaffordable to many who rely on them as primary source of healthcare.
What are the Ministry's regulations that outline or govern the herbal medicine practice in the UAE?Complementary and alternative medicines are governed by 15 ministerial decrees.
Who is entitled to sell herbal medicines? What are the requirements for selling these medicines? It depends whether these products are in pharmaceutical form or in crude form. In crude form, they can be sold at herbal shops that are licensed by the municipalities. If they are in pharmaceutical form, they should be sold at MoH licensed health food stores or pharmacies.
What do you do when you find unlicensed practitioners in this field? If they are not licensed by us, we immediately inform the municipality.
How many herbal medicines are registered in the UAE? Fifty-five from reputed companies that have complied with MoH rules.
Which is more expensive, allopathic or herbal medicine? In the short term, allopathic medicines seem to be costlier, but in the long run, herbal medicines can cost more, especially if they are taken without professional advice. It may simple delay the need for allopathic care.
Are all herbal medicines available in the UAE? No, not all.
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