Ulaanbaatar, January 16, 2026 /MONTSAME/. To treat people through nationally distinctive medical theory and methods, protect the genetic pool of Mongolia’s population, study and develop the inexhaustible treasury of traditional Mongolian medical knowledge, and disseminate its achievements internationally, the President of Mongolia is set to issue a decree. We present the views of Hero of Labor, Laureate of State Premium of Mongolia, Doctor of Medical Sciences, and Professor Ambaga Miyegombo on the historical significance of the decree and on research and current development in traditional medicine.

He said, “First and foremost, we doctors, teachers, students, and researchers working in this field are extremely grateful that the President of Mongolia is issuing a decree on the state policy direction for developing traditional medicine.

The first institution to develop traditional medicine on a scientific basis was established in the 1950s at the initiative of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party and Head of State Tsedenbal Yumjaa as the ‘Traditional Medicine Sector’ under the Institute of Biology of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences. This structure was later expanded, and in 1974, it was reorganized as the First Institute of Natural Sciences of the Academy of Sciences. The person who played a historic role in establishing this institute was Academician Ts. Khaidav.

The organizational structure at that time was very close to the main directions now reflected in the presidential decree, and activities such as research on medicinal plants, translation of classical texts, and study of cultural heritage have developed continuously. Later, in 1981, the institution expanded into the Institute of Traditional Mongolian Medicine, intensifying scientific research in traditional medicine.

During this period, under the leadership of Academician Ts. Khaidav, many kinds of medicines were created based on traditional prescriptions. In addition, many medicines developed by scientists of medical schools, such as "Salimon" and "Nefromon, "are products studied by modern scientific methods based on the theory of traditional Mongolian medicine.

These medicines were developed through important research work that interpreted and studied the theory of wind, bile, and phlegm of traditional medicine from the perspective of modern medicine. Since the 1990s, research in this field has intensified, and many important theories have been developed, including Academician B. Dagvatseren’s systems theory, the membrane-structure theory proposed by scientists of the new medical school, the nine-stage proton flow chain theory, and models of human and animal body systems.

The results of these theories and studies are providing a solid scientific foundation for implementing the presidential decree. In other words, it should be emphasized that many of the objectives set out in the decree are built on the continuation and logical linkage of previous research.

The presidential decree covers a vast range, proposing many important objectives such as protecting the genetic pool of the population, ensuring civilizational security, studying and cultivating medicinal plants, improving medicinal effects and technologies, and supplying products to foreign markets. It also clarifies regulations related to the structure of traditional medicine hospitals, diagnosis and treatment, health insurance, and accreditation, which will undoubtedly provide real support for sectoral development.

Furthermore, the decree gives special attention to the protection of intellectual property in traditional medicine, organizes training in line with international standards, and clearly specifies directions for training specialists, thereby enhancing its historical significance.

In the 21st century, when artificial intelligence is developing rapidly, the decree is fully in line with the demands of the times, while deeply respecting tradition and defining a policy to develop the heritage of traditional Mongolian medicine created by the Mongolian people in its ‘original form,’ while integrating modern scientific achievements, which is of special significance.

Therefore, he concluded, the decree has become a policy document that gives clear direction, increases motivation, and opens full opportunities for development for all of us working in the field of traditional medicine.”