Necessity of Controlling the System for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), Especially Focusing on Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Republic of North Macedonia

Abstract

The regulation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), including practices such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), homeopathy, chiropractic, ayurveda, yoga, bioinformatics, reiki, aromatherapy, hidzama – wet cupping etc. is an emerging priority in the Republic of North Macedonia. Despite the adoption of the Law on Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2015, updated in 2021, full implementation remains lacking. This paper explores the historical framework supporting CAM regulation, international agreements that support TCM development in Republic of North Macedonia, the role of professional associations such as Tong Da Tang TCM Skopje, and the urgent need to establish a Chamber for CAM Practitioners which, according to the CAM law, should have been established 9 years ago to ensure safety, professionalism, and patient trust in CAM practices. This paper offers recommendations for fully integrating CAM into Macedonia’s healthcare system.

Keywords: Complementary and Alternative Medicine, CAM Chamber, Traditional Chinese Medicine