Most of the Chinese herbs used in Taiwan were imported from Mainland China. Except a small portion which were used by pharmaceutical company as raw material for pharmaceutical preparations which required some quality control procedures. Most of the herbs sold in Taiwan never received any quality control examinations. This is a shortcoming for drug safety. CCMP , Department of Health started a five year drug safety program to set up outside and inside boarder quality control center for Chinese herbs and initiate authentic sample providing centers. A lot of Chinese herb specialists are in demand. This project will establish a education center for modern industrial technology in Chinese herbs in a five year project. Technicians in the field of identification, processing and detection will be trained. Through laboratory courses, the participants will be trained to be independent in the quality control of Chinese herbs. In the second year project we will offer credit courses such as Origin Identification of Chinese Herbs (2 credits course and 1 credit laboratory), Processing of Chinese Herbs (2 credits course and 1 credit laboratory), Quality Control of Chinese Herbs (2 credits course and 1 credit laboratory), Medicinal Plants (2 credits course and 1 credit laboratory) and New Techniques in Chinese Herbal Technology (3 credits). A certificate will be awarded to the qualified trainee. Besides, we will sponsor Symposium on Drug Safety and Practical Courses in Chinese Herbs in Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung so as to promote the standard of Chinese herb practitioners. A Certificate will be awarded to the participants. In collaboration with related academic society and various local Medicinal Plant Associations and National Herb Association, the project will also organize an Exposition of Drug Safety, Medicinal and Poisonous Plants. Potted medicinal and poisonous plants, special crude drug specimen will be exhibited to the general public. Through this project, we hope to educate both Chinese herb practitioners and the general public to elevate their knowledge in Chinese herbs so as to guarantee the drug safety of Chinese herbs.
