DOH explores Chinese traditional medicine vs COVID-19

The Department of Health (DOH) is already studying the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine in the fight against COVID-19.

This is the response of Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire to the question of why some of the 12 Chinese doctors are experts in traditional medicine.

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“Kasali ang Pilipinas sa solidarity trial ng World Health Organization sa isang internasyunal na pag-aaral sa mga gamot na maaaring magbigay-lunas sa sakit. Kagaya ng ibang complimentary medicine, tinitignan rin ang gamit ng traditional Chinese medicine laban sa COVID-19,” said Vergeire.

(The Philippines is participating in the World Health Organization’s solidarity trial in an international study on the cure for the virus. Like other complementary medicine, traditional Chinese medicine is also being looked to fight COVID-19.)

Also, four of the 12 doctors who came to the Philippines were experts in ‘critical medicine’ who are expected to help significantly in treating critically ill patients.

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Health Secretary Francisco Duque III earlier said that the Chinese doctors would only give expert advice based on their experience in Wuhan and would not treat patients. The doctors will go around in various DOH clinics that accept COVID patients and remain in the country until April 19.

Also read: Virus epicenter Wuhan ends lockdown

DOH explores Chinese traditional medicine vs COVID-19

The Chinese medical team arrived Sunday in the Philippines to help the Philippines to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

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The team is composed of 10 medical experts and two officials to “share technical advice on the prevention and control” of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

“The Chinese experts arrived with invaluable firsthand experiences to share on fighting and containing COVID-19. Thank you, China,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr said.

“I hope the arrival of this team will help the Philippines to improve its ability of epidemic prevention and control as well as diagnosis and treatment, so as to boost the confidence of the public in overcoming the COVID-19,” Ambassador Huang Xilian said at the turnover ceremony.

“Virus respects no borders. During the time of crisis, the Chinese government and people feel keenly for the health and safety of the Filipino people. We will always stand together with the Philippine government and people to cope with the challenges and overcome the epidemic.”