Celebrating the Champions of Traditional & Complementary Medicine
The Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC), in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH), is set to honor exemplary pioneers in Traditional & Complementary Medicine (T&CM) at the highly anticipated Gold, Silver, and Bronze Seal of Excellence awarding ceremony.
The event will take place on July 6, 2023, at the prestigious SEDA Vertis North in Quezon City.
Recognizing Dedication to RA 8423 and PITAHC Initiatives
The recipients of these esteemed awards have been meticulously evaluated based on their comprehensive efforts to implement Republic Act (RA) 8423, also known as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act of 1997, alongside its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
This evaluation encompasses various aspects, including PITAHC programs and activities, emphasizing achievements in the following categories:
P – Pioneering and innovative Practices
I – Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials developed, produced/reproduced and distributed
T – Training & Education attended by staff
A – Advancement of at least one T&CM Modality through research
H – Herbal/Communal Garden C – Community development and services
A Step Toward Advocating Traditional & Complementary Medicine
PITAHC Director General Annabelle Pabiona-De Guzman expressed her optimism, stating,
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a simple step, may this awarding ceremony pave the way for the promotion of the advocacy of Traditional & Complementary Medicine.”
This recognition not only celebrates the exceptional work of the awardees but also aims to raise awareness and appreciation for T&CM practices among the wider population.
Inspiring Excellence and Community Service
PITAHC has introduced the “PITAHC Seal of Excellence: the Search for Traditional and Complementary Champions,” an award system designed to promote the highest standards of professionalism, inspire excellence, and encourage community service.
The PITAHC Seal of Excellence (SOE) aims to acknowledge the outstanding practices and contributions of Local Government Units (LGUs), DOH Centers for Health Development (CHDs), and DOH retained Hospitals in their efforts to elevate the status of T&CM within the Filipino healthcare landscape.
A Crucial Step Toward Enhanced Healthcare Provision
DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa lauded PITAHC’s initiatives, emphasizing their importance in expanding healthcare options for the Filipino people.
He stated,
“The PITAHC’s efforts are part of our pivotal tasks to increase the number of possible healthcare options and remedies for our countrymen.”
Secretary Herbosa commended PITAHC’s dedication in highlighting the achievements of LGUs and CHDs, aligning with the government’s vision of delivering high-quality healthcare services through the Universal Healthcare program.
He further emphasized that these endeavors realize the goal of a Healthy Pilipinas, where we value every life.
By recognizing and celebrating the exceptional contributions and advancements made in Traditional & Complementary Medicine, the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Seal of Excellence awarding ceremony serves as a platform for promoting these alternative healthcare practices and raising public awareness about their benefits.
Through the collaborative efforts of PITAHC, DOH, and various healthcare entities, the Philippines takes another significant step toward achieving comprehensive and inclusive healthcare provision for all its citizens.
Sources: THX News & Department of Health.
