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However, she emphasised that this professional status had its root only from the recognition by the public, not by the Government.
"The recognition stems from the contributions made by professionals to society over a sustainable period of time.
"Government, or even the preparatory committee, can only provide support for the creation of an infrastructure on which traditional Chinese medicine professionals can strive for excellence of their service," Mrs Fok said.
Her view was shared by Dr Daniel Tse, Chairman of the preparatory committee.
He noted that efforts made by people in the trade were prerequisite to having their professional status be recognised.
"I believe that this is a basic principle applicable to professions across the board," he said.
"This principle is particularly relevant to the TCM profession given its very diverse background in training, methodology and mode of practice on the part of TCM professionals.
"I therefore regard that co-operation among people in the trade is of paramount importance to the status of the TCM profession in our society. 'Persistent self- strengthening' is the crux of the development of Chinese medicine," he said.
On the role of the committee, Dr Tse said it would provide a framework within which the TCM profession could be recognised, regulated and developed.
"Government's policy on TCM will certainly rely on our advice, which has to be unbiased, objective, rational, practical and feasible.
"Our role, just like those of the many other Government's advisory committees in various policy areas, is to provide expert opinion in TCM," he added.
End/Tuesday, March 28, 1995
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