Final answer:
The assertion is true. The 20th-century focus in evidence based medicine on empirical evidence emphasized cures, often at the expense of holistic healing approaches, though a hybrid model of biomedicine with cultural practices can address this imbalance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that in the 20th century emphasis on evidence based medicine has tended to focus on empirical evidence and the concept of cure rather than the concept of healing is true. Biomedicine, which is predicated on evidence-based practices, has often been critiqued for not considering the broader spectrum of healing and failing to incorporate cultural knowledge and versatilities. While biomedicine is rooted in scientific methods and often prioritizes the concept of cure, its focus on empirical evidence can overshadow the traditional and cultural practices of healing that are vital in many communities. This emphasis on cures over healing processes can lead to a disregard for the patient's cultural perspective and may not always align with the patient's belief systems. However, as health outcomes can be influenced by an individual's trust and belief in their chosen medical system, a hybrid model that combines biomedicine with other ethnomedical approaches can be more effective and respectful of different cultural practices. This model allows individuals to select treatments that they believe will help them the most, embracing both cure and healing.