The practice of traditional medicine in Latin America and the Caribbean: The dilemma between regulation and tolerance

Objective. This paper characterizes the current stage of traditional medici ne in nine countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. Material and metho ds. This qualitative study was conducted between March and December 1998. D ata were collected on the components of traditional health systems in count ries of Latin America and the Caribbean, by means of a network of individua ls and institutions from different countries that acted as expert informant s from different specialty areas. Results. Findings from the analysis of tr aditional medicine regulation are presented in three groups: a) Countries w ith some developments in the area of legislation; b) Countries where legisl ation is underway; and, c) Countries with no legislation or incipient regul ation. Conclusions. Several stages of traditional medical practice legislat ion are found in the region. This heterogeneity shows the complexity involv ed in regulating the practice of providers with low levels of formal traini ng, with different therapeutic practices, and with customs that are frequen tly difficult to include within the standards of the official health system . These findings are important for designing and implementing healthcare po licies to adequate traditional medical practices to the needs of population s that commonly use them. The English version of this paper is available at : http://www.insp.mx/salud/index.html.