Public Health Strategies, WHO Policies and the Necessity of Establishing a National Scientific Expert Commission for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Republic of North Macedonia

Abstract

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture, has become an increasingly important component of modern healthcare systems worldwide. The Republic of North Macedonia has already established a legal basis for the regulation of CAM through the Law on Complementary and Alternative Medicine and has participated in several international collaborations and institutional initiatives related to Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture. This paper analyzes the importance of aligning the Republic of North Macedonia with contemporary WHO public health strategies and international standards regarding CAM and TCM. Additionally, the paper discusses the importance of institutional cooperation between governmental bodies, professional associations, and expert commissions in the process of regulating CAM practices. The increasing public awareness regarding health preservation, preventive healthcare, and integrative medicine demonstrates that effective regulation and scientific oversight of CAM are no longer optional but represent an essential public health necessity. Establishing structured expert evaluation mechanisms would contribute to improved patient safety, professional accountability, healthcare quality, and harmonization with international healthcare standards and WHO recommendations.

Keywords: Complementary Medicine, Alternative Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Integrative Medicine