Global information hub on integrated medicine: Malaysia strategic initiative

Abstract

The increasing global interest on traditional and complementary medicine (T/CM) and a need of a centralised and validated information on T/CM, added with a noble mission of optimally integrating the practice of T/CM into the mainstream healthcare system, revolutionised this Commonwealth health minister’s initiative project. Combined with strong government support and strength in ICT infrastructure at Multimedia Super Corridor, Malaysia put forward the proposal at the last Commonwealth Health Minister meeting which finally get the endorsement for implementing the project at the pre-WHA meeting 2002. This web portal aims in promoting and enhancing the practice of T/CM through global communication and smart partnerships, was implemented by the Herbal Medicine Research Centre of the Institute for Medical Research assisted by the beta group committee. Fondly referred to as the InfoHub, it will deliver validated, up-to-date and comprehensive information of T/CM to the world. Thus, the establishment of Integrated Medicine together with Allopathic Medicine towards contemporary health care can be achieved. The prototype, www.Globinmed.com was successfully launched in October 2003 have Malaysia information on Policy, Trade, Intellectual Property Rights and Herbal Databases, whereas the first international partner, NHIondemand provide other content including Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dietary Supplement Monograph, and Health Condition & Disease States. To achieve its establishment, more contents are being planned and Malaysia is cordially inviting other countries to form a strategic partners not only to enrich its content, but also improved the information portal to ensure its remain viable and competitive internationally.