Use of ultrasound in Chinese traditional medicine possible by year-end

Taipei, Aug. 31 (CNA) Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners in Taiwan may be allowed to use ultrasound in clinical practice by the end of this year, with training programs already underway, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) said Sunday.

Su Yi-chang (蘇奕彰), director of MOHW's Department of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, said on the sidelines of the 21st International Congress of Oriental Medicine in Taipei that Taiwan is developing plans, building consensus, and training TCM practitioners to use ultrasound.

His remarks came after Yoon Seong-chan, president of the Korean Medical Association (KMA), shared South Korea's experience.

According to Yoon, Korean traditional medicine practitioners have been legally allowed to use ultrasound since last year, following a constitutional court ruling that permits both Korean and Western doctors to operate diagnostic equipment, including ultrasounds and tonometers.

Taiwan could authorize the practice later this year if all goes smoothly, Su said, noting potential applications in acupuncture and gynecology.

Ultrasound could help TCM practitioners assess fractures or soft tissue injuries, improving treatment decisions and referrals to hospitals when necessary, he explained.

Asked about legal concerns, Su noted that many hospital ultrasounds are already performed by qualified nonphysicians, stressing that proper training - now being provided by the local TCM association - is essential.

Chan Yung-chao (詹永兆), president of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine, said integrating scientific evidence and big data to support traditional practices is a long-term goal.

He urged the government to promote the widespread use of ultrasound, noting that Korea has already advanced in this area while Taiwan has fallen behind.

Under Taiwan's Physicians Act, TCM practitioners are not explicitly permitted to perform ultrasound examinations.

While the MOHW started to allow TCM practitioners to use basic diagnostic tools, such as X-rays, blood tests and stool tests in 2018, ultrasound was not included.