Fighting Covid-19 alone is difficult, and that’s why countries worldwide are struggling to get medications for their citizens. Two Asian countries, Cambodia and China, agreed on sending traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) specialists to help Cambodia curb the Coronavirus.
National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (NATCM) vice-commissioner Huang Luqi and Cambodia’s Health Minister Mam Bunheng signed the agreement. The endorsement happened in Phnom Penh with the Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia, Wang Wentian.
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
TCM involves different psychological and physical approaches for treating an ill person. It includes acupuncture, which invigorates certain body points by piercing thin needles through the skin. According to studies, this technique enables the body to release natural painkillers.
On the other hand, Tai Chi deals with certain postures, breathing, mental focus, relaxation, and gradual movements. It may improve balance and reduce knee pains. Lastly, Chinese herbal products are a natural remedy to alleviate pain and other symptoms of sickness. These medical approaches are often used to address most health problems.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Specialists to Perform Medical Tasks
Huang confirmed that the NATCM would help Cambodia in fighting Covid-19. They will delegate their TCM specialists to the Cambodia-China Friendship Preah Kossamak Hospital. They will conduct medical tasks and upskill other medical professionals for a year.
“During the period, the medical team will train qualified medical professionals from Cambodia’s Ministry of Health, develop targeted training manual and courses for further education, and provide prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services on common diseases including COVID-19 for local people,” Huang said.
He is optimistic that the Cambodian medical experts will benefit from the accord. Likewise, it will make considerable benefactions to better the well-being of the Cambodian citizens. In November last year, they inked the deal in compliance with the two countries’ leaders’ general agreement.
On the other hand, Bunheng stated that the covenant would make the cooperation stronger between the two nations in combatting Covid-19. Moreover, it will improve synergy in the sector of traditional medicine.
Even more, the pact will help enhance Cambodian health experts’ competence to treat Covid-19 patients more efficiently with TCM. These medicines effectively treat mild symptoms of fever, cough, and runny nose.
Based on the understanding, the NATCM will dispatch their team of not over 50 qualified experts in training and clinical services. It includes delivering medical services involving traditional Chinese medicine and the association of Chinese and Western medicine.
Cambodia Also Seeks Training Assistance for Cardiac and Pulmonary Surgery
Aside from the help of traditional Chinese medicine professionals, Cambodia also seeks help in cardiac and pulmonary surgery training.
Both Cambodia Health Ministry Secretary Youk Sambath and Chinese Ambassador Wang
Wentian visited the hospital along with Dr. Huang Luqi. The latter is the president of the Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and also the NATCM’s deputy commissioner. They will analyze the possibility of setting up a Covid-19 treatment facility using TCM.
“If neighboring countries help provide technical training for heart surgery to the resources of the Cambodian medical team, I think it would be good because it can provide another part of modern surgery services to the people of Cambodia,” said Dr. Ngy Meng, Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital director.
The collaboration between the said two countries will help curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus. That being the case, it can possibly prevent another wave or virus mutation.
Image Source: Gustavo Basso/ WikimediaCommons
