Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in building the future of the Healthcare Sector in Pakistan - A Narrative Review Article

Traditional medicine refers to health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral-based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises. More than 70% of the developing world’s population still depends on complementary and alternative systems of medicine (CAM). Despite today’s advancements, a large segment of the population still depends on traditional medicine or so-called alternative medicine as the preferred form of health care. Pakistan has unique biodiversity, having nine major ecological zones. Due to its unique climate, the country is very rich in medicinal and endemic plants distributed in its large area. The highlands of northern Pakistan are the hot spots of biodiversity and are rich in medicinal and endemic species. These plants are still commonly used for medicinal purposes by people in their daily lives. This region, which is rich in medicinal plants, still needs more exploration and study.