Dr. Akshay Batra, vice chairman and managing director of Dr Batra’s™, the world’s largest chain of homoeopathic clinics with over 230 clinics and 84 franchises, shared his view as well, “Homeopathy is already the second-largest system of medicine in the world. The largest userbase is in India, whereas the largest in terms of value, is in France, with the Middle East easily at the top.”
The Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) sector has grown leaps and bounds in the Middle East over the past two decades. As part of the Organic Digital Trade Week (DTW), we had a live webinar session with four expert doctors from the region.
DTW is an offshoot of the Organic and Natural Products Expo, the only expo in the region that brings together buyers and sellers of organic and natural products. Running for 17 years, the show is under the patronage of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
Here is what top doctors and players in the TCAM sector had to say about the market in current times.
The global market of Ayurveda products is coming to 4.8 billion USD and has potential to grow
“When you look at the global scenario the landscape of TCAM has been improving very consistently. The World Health Organisation, strategic objectives for 2023 states that self healthcare and integrating TCAM to the healthcare delivery system is a primary objective, and we can witness the growth of TCAM in many different areas across the globe,” said Dr. V L Shyam, founder of Dr. Shyam’s Ayurveda, with multiple Ayurvedic centres in the region and more than 65 wellness projects.
He also mentioned the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) involvement in spreading TCAM world over.
“Several countries and member states of WHO have taken major steps in previous years from 2002 to now to promote the quality, safety, and efficacy of TCAM. And these countries have also taken steps to integrate TCAM with allopathy. Based on the current information, around 170 countries have adopted TCAM following national policies or programs.”
Finally, he stated the overall market value of Ayurvedic products and their potential to grow.
“The global market of Ayurveda products is coming to 4.8 billion USD as compared to Chinese medicine at 48 billion dollars. We are still a small industry but have huge growth potential.”
Dr. Akshay Batra, vice chairman and managing director of Dr Batra’s™, the world’s largest chain of homoeopathic clinics with over 230 clinics and 84 franchises, shared his view as well, “Homeopathy is already the second-largest system of medicine in the world. The largest userbase is in India, whereas the largest in terms of value, is in France, with the Middle East easily at the top.”
Homoeopathy usage in the Middle East is growing by 15-20% each year
Coming to the domestic landscape, TCAM in the Middle East region is growing at a rapid speed. Ludmila Vassilieva, founder of Holistic Healing Medical Center, and a pioneer of traditional medicine over the past 30 years witnessed it all.
“When I came to the UAE as a medical doctor, I was surprised that there was no natural medicine. It took 7 tough years to develop, support, and initiate traditional medicine in the UAE. Now, during the past 20 years when the law and regulations got developed, the growth has been tremendous,” she shared. “I was the first doctor in Russia and Ukraine to practice homoeopathy, and first in the UAE as well. And now I am so happy because so many doctors come to the UAE to share their experience and support people. Now in the UAE, we have more than 400 licensed traditional TCAM professionals.”
“When we first entered Dubai Healthcare City in 2009, we were told by the authorities that they did a small survey before allowing us. Even at that time, 40% of the audience was keen to try homeopathy. Homeopathy usage in the Middle East is growing by 15-20% each year, and this trend will continue for another 30 years at least,” Dr. Batra stated.
More Emiratis are choosing natural medicine than ever before
Emiratis and other locals of the Middle East region are now turning to TCAM as a choice of holistic healing. The pandemic period has urged patients to look for different routes to boost immunity.
“I think many more people are approaching alternative health more seriously now. Because of the pandemic, fear, and worry, lots of patients are afraid to go outside. However, in alternative medicine, we have many treatments that can be practiced at home. People can do simple exercises or movements or even do an acupoint massage,” Dr. Huafei Li, who has 18 years of clinical experience in Chinese Medicine, said.
Dr. Shyam emphasized on how healthcare systems are now demand-driven, and transparency is important.
“Healthcare delivery systems are now turning into demand-driven consumer models. The patient will decide which system to choose and which medicine to take. Therefore, gimmicks and insufficient delivery will make negative impacts. We need to make data and benefits transparent, and I am positive that the global business will improve with the herbal and Ayurveda industry,” he stated.
Dr. Ludmilla explained, “In the beginning, it was only simple interest, but now it is demand. Due to COVID-19, clinics are fully booked. More Emiratis are choosing natural medicine than ever before. Additionally, people are travelling from all over the world to the UAE or traditional medical treatment, and we are becoming pioneers.”
Suppliers should thoroughly understand the landscape before investing in the Middle East
“Since homoeopathy is on the rise and more patients are exploring its use, I am sure there is hope for suppliers to join the market. Regulations play a very important role in the licensing of the product and also the cost of licensing. In homoeopathy, there are only a few limited medicines approved by the Ministry of Health, so you need to thoroughly understand the landscape before investing here,” advised Dr. Batra.
2021 to be a great year for TCAM
Dr. Batra opined that 2021 will be a wonderful year for TCAM, ending the live webinar on a positive note.
“There is more certainty about TCAM now than ever before, and patients are now keener to explore and experiment and give it a chance. 2021 is going to be a very good year for TCAM,” he said.
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Understanding the increase in demand for TCAM, Middle East Organic & Natural Expo co-hosts the 3-day Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines (TCAM) Conference. The Conference aims to provide business opportunities for manufacturers, herbal ingredient suppliers, and specialists with wellness specialists, retailers and holistic health community in the Middle East and North Africa region – who are on the lookout for new products and suppliers.