Bomohs, doctors and sinsehs—Medical pluralism in Malaysia

Abstract

In addition to the official “cosmopolitan” system, a number of different health care systems flourish in Malaysia. This article provides an overview of the current situation of the dominant systems and discusses the multiplicity of use by the multi-ethnic Malaysian population. An examination of the reasons for the persistence of traditional health care systems may provide a perspective from which to evaluate cosmopolitan practices and may indicate that the cosmopolitan system is seen as an incomplete health system. The need and possibilities for collaboration between different health systems are examined in light of specific studies carried out in rural Malaysia.