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Benjamin Siu, 16

St Joseph's College

Unfortunately, no. A western doctor prescribes medicine which is accepted all over the world.

This is, sadly, not the case with Chinese medical practitioners. Chinese medicine has a history of nearly 5,000 years, but I have yet to see an organised study of it.  This is one of the main reasons why it is difficult to justify the legal  recognition of Chinese herbalists.

There are reports that Chinese medicine  is being used to cure serious diseases, leaving  western physicians puzzled.  Tree roots can  stem the growth of cancer cells, and even drinking Chinese tea helps patients who are suffering from  chronic diseases, they say.

But this has not sparked any interest in making a detailed study of Chinese herbs and other remedies.  Instead,  greedy merchants market untested  'wonder medicines' to desperate patients.  So not many people have confidence in Chinese herbalists.

Besides, there are no regulations governing Chinese medicine practitioners.  While leading  universities in Hong Kong  offer  Chinese medicine courses, these graduates  are not the only people who are claiming to be  'experts' in their field.

Many simply have a certificate to show that they  studied  acupuncture or other  techniques a few decades ago.

Although I  wish to see  Chinese medicine spread around the world, I am against the legal  recognition of Chinese herbalists. This should be done only after Chinese herbs have been classified into different branches of study, and I have yet to see any light at the end of this tunnel.

Jocelyn Heng, 15

Maryknoll Convent School

Yes, because Chinese herbalists  contribute as much to medical development as western doctors.

Traditional Chinese methods have been used for the past 5,000 years, and  show no signs of dying out. If herbs were  ineffective, would they still remain so popular today,  when  people could  easily choose an alternative treatment?

Mystery surrounds Chinese medicine so people have a misconception that the herbs are unreliable and  cannot be scientifically analysed.  Actually, many herbs contain  ingredients that are used in western medicine and dietary supplements. It is foolish  to reject a powder with 'unknown properties', while embracing the same chemical in the form of  a capsule.

Some may argue that there are   problems in the  industry, because people sell fake healing potions and herbs that could affect our health.

With legal acknowledgement, the government can  monitor Chinese medical practitioners  to ensure  a quality service. This also creates an incentive for more tertiary institutions to offer courses in Chinese medicine, as well as to expand research and development.  Practitioners of western medicine  realise the importance of Chinese herbs, and are collaborating with their  traditional counterparts,  exchanging ideas on  how to tackle various ailments.

Some hospitals even offer qigong classes as part of their community health programmes. This proves that Chinese medicine should continue to play a valuable role in society and herbalists deserve legal recognition.



Should Chinese herbalists be legally recognised?