4th Bilateral Technical Meeting on Cooperation in the Field of Traditional Systems of Medicine between the Government of Malaysia and the Republic of India
This Bilateral Technical Meeting (BTM) provides an excellent platform to strengthen international collaboration with the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) of the Republic of India on areas of mutual concern regarding Traditional Indian Medicine (TIM). This collaboration is exemplified by the technical assistance provided by the Ministry of AYUSH in the deputation of skilled TIM professionals to serve in Ministry of Health facilities, and also in developing guidelines related to the provision of such services at those facilities.

Launch of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practice Guideline on Varmam Therapy
The Ministry of Health supports and promotes the development of safe and quality T&CM practices by publishing practice guidelines to guide T&CM practitioners in public healthcare facilities. The launch of the ‘Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practice Guideline on Varmam Therapy’ today has increased the number of T&CM guidelines published by the Ministry to 18. The contribution by Ministry of AYUSH experts in helping to prepare this guideline is warmly appreciated.

Introduction of Varmam Therapy (Siddha) at Hospital Sungai Buloh, Selangor
The Ministry of Health is ready to initiate a pilot study on Varmam Therapy as a complementary treatment for orthopaedic and rehabilitative patients at Sungai Buloh Hospital next year. The Ministry is pleased to know that the Ministry of AYUSH is making the necessary arrangements to depute a suitable expert to Malaysia for this purpose.

Appreciation of Ministry of AYUSH Personnel on Deputation to Malaysia
The Ministry would like to recognise and thank the Ayurvedic physician and two therapists who have provided outstanding quality of service during their deputation in Malaysia since 2014. They have assisted the Ministry in providing Shirodhara and External Basti Therapy services at Port Dickson Hospital and Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital, and also contributed towards enhancing the knowledge and understanding among Malaysians regarding Indian systems of medicine through educational activities.

It is hoped that the deputation of highly qualified experts through the Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme will be continued as we progress towards evidence-based T&CM in Malaysia.

AYUSH Scholarship Scheme for Malaysia
The Indian Government is offering 20 scholarships annually to Malaysians who wish to pursue courses in Traditional Indian Medicine in India. Eleven (11) scholarships are offered for Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), five (5) for the Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS), two (2) for the Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUHMS) and two (2) for the Bachelor of Homeopathy Medicine and Surgery (BHMS).

This year, the High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur received 10 applications for the academic year 2016-2017 of which 7 Malaysian students were selected and 5 accepted the offer of admission to Ayurvedic and Homeopathy colleges in India. It is hoped that more Malaysians will avail themselves of this great opportunity for the academic year 2017-2018.

Thank you

DATUK SERI DR. S. SUBRAMANIAM
MINISTER OF HEALTH MALAYSIA
27th DECEMBER 2016

SOURCE : Ministry of Health

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name : Nor Suzaman B. Abdul Rahman
Tel : 03-8883 3470 / 013-399 7025
Email : n.suzaman@moh.gov.my

--BERNAMA