A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctor is currently working to establish a department and an Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Fiji.

Beyond that, the doctor who is also the director of South Pacific Rehabilitation and Health (Fiji) Ltd, Dr Terry Tu said he will also make a combination of research and treatment from Fiji’s local herbal medicine on common diseases like hypertension, diabetes and rheumatism.

He said he had submitted an application to the Fiji Higher Education Committee (FHEC) and expects to get a response by next month.

In his proposed institute, Dr Tu said he would engage local students to learn about the TCM and local herbs.

“We are going to accept the local people as students to let them study the TCM, for example, Chinese professional and medical massage, acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion and Chinese physiotherapy,” Dr Tu said.

“We will research, develop and use the local herbs to help patients with the aim of develop locals in the field”, he added.

“After coming to Fiji, I thought Fiji had very kind people and an original environment, but more medical service was needed.

“In addition, traditional Chinese medicine is not used like Australia or USA. It is a good chance for me to serve and help for Fiji and promote health culture.”

This year DrTu has visited villages in Nadi and in Suva upon the requests of villagers for acupuncture treatment.

A villager of Sabeto in Nadi, Mere Mataitoga, said she felt the difference after her first acupuncture treatment.

“I was suffering from asthma and after my first treatment I felt relieved and my heavy chest felt at ease already,” she said.

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

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