REGULATION OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINES IN MODERN DOSAGE FORM IN TAIWAN

Regulation of traditional Chinese medicine in Taiwan started in 1950's, but it was not until 1980's did the regulatory approach begin to emphasize scientific aspects of control in terms of laboratory and manufacture process control. In 1950's, public perception of traditional Chinese medicines remained folk-medicine like in stead of general acceptance of western medical practices, and was only popular among social segments which had only limited accessibility to modern medicalresources. Pharmaceutical manufacturers of traditional Chinese medicines were of small size family owned 'cottage industry' which has remained unchanged through the years of economic and industrial progress in Taiwan.