Taiwan to integrate ultrasound into traditional Chinese medicine

台灣擬將超音波融入傳統中醫

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Health and Welfare said that it will integrate ultrasound examinations into traditional Chinese medicine treatments by the end of this year, with relevant training programs for TCM practitioners already in place.

The International Society of Oriental Medicine held its 21st academic conference in Taipei over the weekend, featuring 12 keynote speeches and showcasing medical achievements. The association, founded in 1976 by scholars from South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, is dedicated to promoting research and exchange in traditional Asian medicine, per CNA.

Su Yi-chang (蘇奕彰), director of the Department of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy at the ministry, said that ultrasound imaging can help TCM practitioners better understand an individual’s condition, allowing for more targeted acupuncture and symptom relief.

The ministry has allowed TCM doctors to use X-rays and perform blood and stool tests since 2018, with the costs covered by National Health Insurance. Su said the approval for ultrasound examinations is also a major step forward for the sector.

The National Federation of Chinese Medical Doctors' Associations has cooperated with the ministry to launch training courses on the use of ultrasound equipment. Su added that the trainings are also expected to focus on image interpretation skills to reduce misdiagnosis.

The South Korean government has allowed Korean medicine doctors to use medical equipment such as ultrasound machines, brainwave monitors, and eye pressure meters since last year, a move inspired by Taiwan’s 2018 initiative to incorporate technology into traditional Chinese medicine. Yoon Sung-chan (尹星燦), chair of the Korean Medical Association, hopes South Korea and Taiwan can collaborate to enhance the quality of traditional medicine.

Chan Yung-chao (詹永兆), chair of the National Federation of Chinese Medical Doctors' Associations, highlighted the importance of incorporating technology and big data analysis to advance traditional Chinese medicine. He hopes the ministry will support the sector’s transformation to maintain Taiwan’s leading position in TCM treatment.