Use of traditional medicine in mainstream healthcare needs to be evidence-based | Alternative medicine

The article (“A potential treasure”: World Health Organization to explore benefits of traditional medicines, December 20) is of great interest. However, it is unfortunate that an organization such as the World Health Organization seems willing to promote the incorporation of traditional and other medicines into routine practice by relying heavily on emotional language – “heritage”, “tradition” and sharing of local resources – rather than clinical evidence. Then he seems to contradict himself by saying he doesn’t support it if there isn’t solid, reliable evidence.

The difficulty seems to lie in a misunderstanding of what medicine is. Medicine must be understood as a single enterprise: an evidence-based medical practice focused on patient safety and effectiveness. It should not be fragmented into categories such as “organic”, “traditional” or “complementary” medicine.

Traditional medicine does not, as is implied, reject treatments simply because they come from a traditional practice. Rather, interventions such as tai chi, yoga, and many plant-derived medications were readily adopted once rigorous clinical trials demonstrated their safety and effectiveness. Much of modern pharmacology has its roots in traditional herbalism, refined and validated over time. The medicinal gardens of the Royal College of Physicians in London are a reminder of how clearly this is recognized.

What mainstream medicine rejects are unproven claims and practices that pose a risk of harm. Attempting to legitimize such practices under the banner of “traditional” or “complementary” medicine amounts to a backdoor entry into clinical care. Pretending otherwise is misleading at best – and dangerous at worst.
Dr Radhamanohar Macherla
Retired consultant physician, Barts NHS trust; junior epidemiologist, global smallpox eradication program, World Health Organization, 1974