An MOU was signed last week in Zhengzhou, China, to set up a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic in Islamabad, aimed at integrating TCM practices into modern healthcare systems. The clinic will provide treatments for chronic and stress-related conditions, including coronary artery disease, thyroid and breast nodules, vertigo, varicose veins, insomnia, and anxiety disorders.

Additionally, it will promote TCM training and certification programs, facilitate cross-border healthcare exchanges, and encourage academic communication. The agreement was signed between the Belt & Road Medical Association (BRMA), an initiative of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD), and Guan’ai Future Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinics Project. This landmark agreement lays the foundation for future expansions into other major cities of Pakistan, with full funding provided by the Guan’ai Future TCM Clinics Project.

“The BRMA is dedicated to promote the exchange of medical knowledge, best practices, and holistic healthcare solutions to foster a shared future among Belt and Road countries, Gwadar Pro reported on Sunday. Through this collaboration, we seek to expand the global reach of TCM,” said Dr. Shahbaz, Director General of BRMA. Peter Du, Director of the Guan’ai Future TCM Clinics Project, described the partnership as a historic milestone in strengthening China-Pakistan health cooperation. “With the support of Guan’ai Future, we see TCM not only as a tool for healing but also as a bridge connecting diverse cultures,” he said.

The partnership will be further spotlighted during the First Annual Conference on Future Traditional Chinese Medicine, to be held in Changsha at the end of June 2025, where global experts and stakeholders will convene to discuss future innovations in TCM. Talking to Gwadar Pro, Qaiser Nawab, Chairman of BRISD said that the legal procedures to open a TCM clinic in Pakistan are as simple as other regular clinics which includes the registration with Healthcare Commission of the province where the clinic is located. The clinic should meet the minimum healthcare standards including facilities, hygiene and qualified practitioners.

He further said such clinic could be registered as a company with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) or as a sole proprietorship with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). A healthcare license should be obtained from the relevant Provincial Healthcare Commission and all TCM practitioners should be properly registered with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) or the National Council for Tibb. “For imports or sales of TCM products, approval is necessary from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). Additionally, a trade license should be applied from the local municipal authority,” he said.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China