ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) expands its Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) services with the opening of a new clinic at the Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) facility in Western Mindanao State University (WMSU). The inauguration on February 20 marks a significant milestone as ZCMC’s first TCIM clinic extension and a pioneering initiative in the region. This expansion aims to make TCIM services more accessible and affordable for Zamboangueños.
The BUCAS facility now offers a range of TCIM treatments, including acupuncture, ventosa (dry cupping therapy), hijama (wet cupping therapy), moxibustion, and electroacupuncture.
Dr. Zain Al-Abidin Nuruddin, Medical Officer IV, emphasizes the clinic’s goal of integrating TCIM into mainstream healthcare, highlighting its potential health benefits. “TCIM enhances the body’s natural healing processes,” he explains. “We have treatment protocols for immuno-modulatory mechanisms, meaning we can potentially prevent some diseases by strengthening the immune system. TCIM helps maximize the body’s natural defenses.”
Dr. Nuruddin also addresses misconceptions about TCIM, clarifying that it is not a replacement for conventional medicine. “TCIM complements and supports conventional therapy,” he states. “We collaborate with specialists in fields such as pediatrics, neurology, and neurodevelopmental pediatrics. We don’t monopolize treatment; we work alongside other healthcare providers.”
TCIM services start at ₱330 per session, with medical assistance options available for those in need. The expansion is driven by the high demand for TCIM services at ZCMC’s main clinic in the New Rehabilitation Medicine Building.
The TCIM Clinic at the BUCAS facility operates from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, welcoming both walk-in patients and appointments.(JPA/JFT/ PIA-9 – Zamboanga City)
