From 2022, the healthcare system in Norway can implement a new diagnostic register called ICD-11. This diagnostic register has been adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and will be used across large parts of the world.
The new registry is a further development of the diagnostic registry we have today and includes diagnoses from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). These are non-scientific diagnoses where treatment may consist of body parts and other products from wild animals. Animal Protection Norway is concerned about the consequences this will have for endangered species, such as the pangolin and rhinoceros, and for the welfare of animals like bears kept in cages for bile harvesting. Additionally, remedies based on animal products pose a significant and unnecessary risk of pandemics.
