Department of Health

Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Healthcare

The Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care promotes and integrates traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine in the national healthcare system.

28+
Years of Service
100+
Accredited Facilities
1.6K+
Certified Practitioners
Holistic Care
Evidence-based
Natural Healing
Traditional methods
About PITAHC

Preserving Heritage,
Advancing Health

The Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care is a government-owned and controlled corporation attached to the Department of Health (DOH) which was created in December 7, 1997 per Republic Act No. 8423, otherwise known as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997 authored by Senator Juan M. Flavier.

PITAHC is currently headed by Director-General Ma. Teresa C. Iñigo, MD, FPCAM, CESE under the direction of a Board of Trustees composed of representatives from different government agencies namely: Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); Department of Agriculture (DA); Commission on Higher Education (CHED); and representatives from the industries/sectors namely: a physician engaged in the practice of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM); a member from a duly recognized academe engaged in T&CM research; a T&CM practitioner who is not a physician; a western medical practitioner preferably from the Philippine Medical Association; one member from the natural food industry and one member from environmental sector. The board is chaired by the Secretary of Health.

DOH Attached Agency
Established 1997
PITAHC
Est. 1997
28
Years of Excellence
Research and Development

Research Priotity Clusters

Conservation and Documentation of Traditional Knowledge and Healing Practices

This priority area focuses on documenting, conserving, and protecting Philippine traditional knowledge, healing practices, and cultural heritage related to Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCIM).

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Research and Development on Safety, Efficacy/Benefit, and Quality of Natural Products

This priority area supports research on natural products used in traditional medicine, including studies on safety, efficacy, quality, and potential therapeutic benefits.

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Clinical Research on Safety and Efficacy/Benefit of TCIM Modalities

This priority area covers clinical research on Traditional and Complementary Medicine modalities to establish safety, effectiveness, and benefits for health care delivery.

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Socio-Cultural, Policy, Systems, Market, and Standards Research

This priority area includes research that informs governance, standards development, systems improvement, and socio-cultural dimensions of TCIM use and acceptance.

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PITAHC Products

PITAHC promotes the development of scientifically validated traditional and complementary healthcare products in partnership with research institutions and accredited manufacturers.

PITAHC Herbal Medicines
Our line of herbal medicines is developed based on traditional wisdom backed by scientific research, ensuring that each product is safe, effective, and affordable.
PITAHC Herbal Soaps (herbacare+)
The PITAHC proudly offers a line of herbal soaps developed from carefully selected medicinal plants.
Books and other IEC Materials
PITAHC offers a wide range of books and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials designed to promote safe and effective use of traditional and alternative health care.
Explore Products
15+
Products

Lease of PITAHC Commercial Space

Rent available commercial spaces within PITAHC premises for business, wellness, and related services.

Dormitory Rental

Affordable, convenient and airconditioned dormitory accommodations.

Laboratory Services

Analytical and quality testing services supporting traditional and alternative healthcare products and research.

Apply for a Research Grant

Submit proposals for traditional medicine research and development funding.

Get Certified

Apply for certification in various traditional and alternative healthcare modalities.

Get Accredited

Accreditation services for healthcare facilities and training centers.

Recognized Modalities

The Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) recognizes various Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) modalities that have been assessed and acknowledged under existing laws and guidelines. These modalities promote holistic, natural, and culturally rooted approaches to health and wellness, complementing conventional medical care.

  • Acupuncture
  • Chiropractic
  • Hilot
  • Homeopathy
  • Naturopathy
  • Osteopathy
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Tuina Massage
  • Anthroposophic Medicine
  • Ayurveda
10
Recognized Modalities

Certified Practitioners

Ensure your safety by seeking treatment from certified traditional medicine practitioners. PITAHC maintains a registry of qualified professionals who have met the standards of practice.

Find a Practitioner
1.6k+
Registered Practitioner

Accredited Facilities

Access quality traditional healthcare services from accredited facilities nationwide. These centers have passed rigorous standards to ensure patient safety and service quality.

Search Facilities
150+
Accredited Centers Nationwide

Philippine Herbal Medicine

PITAHC advocates for the use of ten (10) medicinal plants identified by the Department of Health (DOH) through scientific research and validation. These plants have been proven to effectively treat common ailments and are safe for use.

Ampalaya
Diabetes Mellitus
Lagundi
Cough & Asthma
Sambong
Kidney Stones
Tsaang Gubat
Stomach Aches
View Herbal Directory
10
Validated Medicinal Plants

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the common questions about PITAHC products and services. Click the buttons below to view the answers.

  • What are the dosages of Lagundi and Sambong?
  • What are the prices of PITAHC products?
  • How can I order PITAHC products?
3
FAQs
0
Years of Service
0
Accredited Facilities
0
Herbal Plants
0
Certified Practitioners
FOI Certificate
Transparency

Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Program is the Government’s response to the call for transparency and full public disclosure of information. FOI is a government mechanism, which allows Filipino citizens to request any information about government transactions and operations, provided that it shall not put into jeopardy – privacy and matters of national security.

The FOI mechanism for the Executive Branch is enabled via Executive Order No. 2, series of 2016. The FOI rules and exceptions also apply to the eFOI platform.

FOI