Abu dhabi: The UAE Integrative Medicine Council (UAEIMC) has endorsed a set of priority areas in integrative medicine and Emirati Traditional Medicine, marking a significant step towards their integration into the national healthcare system. This move aligns with the Council's approved strategy and was highlighted during its second meeting held in Abu Dhabi under the leadership of Sheikha Salama bint Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the UAEIMC.
According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting marked a new phase in the implementation of UAEIMC's strategic priorities aimed at strengthening the provision of integrative medicine in the UAE. The Council endorsed several regulatory frameworks and strategic partnerships to support these priorities. Additionally, the meeting featured a gathering of Emirati Traditional Medicine Healers, fostering direct dialogue with Council Members to explore how traditional knowledge could be integrated into the national healthcare system. This engagement underscored the Council's commitment to preserving traditional healing knowledge and advancing an inclusive healthcare sector.
The Council also organized an interactive workshop in collaboration with the Zayed Complex for Herbal Research and Traditional Medicine. This workshop brought together Emirati Traditional Medicine Healers specializing in Al Mas'h, a manual healing therapy, to explore the practice and its definitions. It marked the initial step towards developing a framework to codify Al Mas'h as an official Emirati Traditional Medicine practice.
During the Council Meeting, Members endorsed priority practice areas such as Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Chiropractic, Osteopathy, and Al Mas'h. A regulatory framework was also approved, covering areas like standards of care, practitioner licensing, pharmaceutical regulation, and the formal recognition of integrative medicine practices. The Council further endorsed local and international partnerships to support the implementation across various sectors, including finance, education, research, and technology.
Sheikha Salama bint Tahnoon emphasized the UAE's commitment to developing integrative medicine through strategic priorities and coordinated national action. She highlighted the importance of regulatory, research, and academic foundations in supporting the growth of Emirati Traditional Medicine and improving health outcomes. The engagement with Emirati Traditional Medicine Healers facilitates the documentation and scientific study of traditional practices, aiding in the integration of heritage into future healthcare strategies.
The meeting also reviewed progress under the UAE Integrative Medicine Strategy, emphasizing the importance of documentation, knowledge exchange, and understanding of traditional health practices. Attendees included prominent figures such as Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, and other key health and government officials. The Council welcomed Dr. Ziad Ameer Saleh, Chairman of the Zayed Complex for Herbal Research and Traditional Medicine, into the discussions, further reinforcing the strategic direction of UAEIMC's initiatives.