Pangolin scale medicines will no longer be covered by the Chinese health system. This was announced by the Beijing government, a big step forward to discourage the use of this mammal which is the most hunted and smuggled animal in the world.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
Medicines based on scales of pangolin they will no longer be covered by the Chinese health system. This was announced by the Beijing government, a big step forward to discourage the use of this mammal which is the most hunted and smuggled animal in the world.
The pangolin, the only mammal covered with scales, is at risk of extinction, both due to hunting and the loss of habitat. Suffice it to say that in China alone there are more than 200 pharmaceutical companies that use pangolin scales for the production of medicines.
To date, however, there is no scientific basis that certifies that the scales have healing properties, yet despite this and despite international laws, traffic is high. All 8 species of pangolin are at risk: from long-tailed to giant pangolin.
The flakes are used in over 60 drugs according to the China Biodiversity and Green Development Foundation, as a deterrent against circulation problems and difficulties in breastfeeding, kidney function, treating asthma and improving the signs of psoriasis.
We recall that last April, fourteen tons of pangolin scales had been seized in Singapore, in what had been defined as the largest seizure of this small anteater, victim of smuggling because of its meat and scales used in traditional medicine. Despite international laws prohibiting the trafficking of all pangolin species, the continuing seizures show a very different reality.
Now the announcement of the Chinese government remove these products from the refund list, as well as those based on seahorses or turtles.
Unfortunately, however, we are not talking about a ban, but only about non-reimbursement, it is still a step forward especially because recently even the public opinion no longer seems to like these types of drugs linked to traditional medicine. The law will take effect in January 2020.
Read also:
- Pangolin: what it is and why it is in grave danger
- One of the largest hijackings of wild animals ever: 10 thousand specimens stolen from the illegal trade
Dominella Trunfio
