Minister of Health Leona Aglukkaq has announced the creation of a national advisory committee on Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs).
The mandate of the new committee is to provide Health Canada’s Natural Health Products Program Directorates with advice on current and emerging issues related to the medicines, such as the importation, sale, and use of TCMs in Canada, including novel TCMs.
“Since a growing number of Canadians are using traditional Chinese and other natural health products, I’m looking forward to learning more about how we can help ensure Canadians have access to a wide range of safe and effective options,” Aglukkaq said in a statement.
In view of the unique nature of TCMs, roundtable discussions were held in Vancouver and Toronto in the fall of 2011 to hear the TCM community’s views on the regulation of the products. More than 1,400 TCMs are currently authorized for sale in Canada.
Committee membership will be comprised of stakeholder representatives from industry, consumer, patient, health care professional, academic, and government organizations and groups.
“I am confident that this new committee will provide a valuable link to Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners, manufacturers, and retailers, helping us to stay abreast of this exciting and interesting health field,” Parliamentary Secretary Colin Carrie said in the statement.
