Traditional Medicine in Asia

Traditional Medicine in Asia
endorsed by MOPH, and then carried out.
In the GHKM alone, 30– 40 projects are
implemented each year. A clinical study is
conducted under approved conditions,
with a placebo group to adjudge the
relative efficacy of the drugs to be
developed by clinico-pharmacological
observation.
For basic studies, the GHKM puts in
considerable effort to identify the
components and the pharmacological
action of medicinal plants. Studies to clarify
the therapeutic mechanism of acupuncture
and the real nature of the meridians are
also being carried out.
The results of the study are reviewed
by the Science Council of the institution
concerned.
In the case of a drug, the approval of
the MOPH has to be obtained so that it
can be used as a standardized formulation.
Newly developed drugs which have been
standardized are manufactured in the
pharmaceutical factories of hospitals as
per the requirement of the hospital. If a
drug shows really marked benefits, it is
included in the State production plan, and
is manufactured in the central and local
pharmaceutical factories in large
quantities.
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References
Newly developed drugs replace
existing drugs with similar or inferior
action. The latter are then weeded out,
and their production and utilization is
discontinued. 1,4
Utility of Koryo Medicine
As a national medical heritage, KM enjoys
State protection and its utilization is actively
encouraged. (3,4) In no other country is the
State developing KM with such a high
degree of commitment, nor is any other
country providing all its inhabitants highquality
KM health care, free of charge.
In spite of the fact that KM is being
promoted, it is not well-known all over the
world.
In Juche 78 (1989), WHO nominated
the GHKM as its collaborating centre for
traditional medicine. Since then, it has
annually been publishing technical
information in English and has distributed
it widely to many countries. Especially in
recent years, the uniqueness of KM in DPR
Korea has become known in many
countries through these publication
activities, with the financial support of
WHO, SEARO.
1. Choe Thae Sop (1999). Development history of traditional medicine in DPRK, Korea
Today, 7:35–36, Juche 88 (1999).
2. Ro Jung Rye, Hyangyakjipsongbang, an ancient classic (85 Vols).
3. Choe Thae Sop (1995). Primary health care and herbal self-medication, Technical
Information, WHO C.C. for TM, 7:5–11.
4. Choe Chang Sik (1995). Traditional medicine in DPRK, Technical Information, WHO
C.C. for TM, 7:1–5.
5. Ho Jun (1610). Tonguibogam (25 Vols).
6. Ro Jung Rye, Yu Hyo Tong et al. (1445). Ulbanryuchwi (365 Vols).