Western-based experts see the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and conventional Western medicine as the future of medical science. (Photo : Reuters)
The State Council has recently published a five-year plan targeting the development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
The scheme is aimed at increasing the presence of TCM services in health care and making them more competitive in the international medical arena.
"TCM resources are the material basis for passing down and developing the heritage of TCM, and are strategic resources having a close bearing on national welfare and people's livelihood," the national plan, which is first of its kind, stated.
According to China's cabinet, the country will continually see reforms in medical-related measures for the periods 2015 until 2020. As well, the government will also boost its effort in improving public health, a key driver for the nation's economic growth.
The plan also covers the promotion of the TCM culture, injecting it on various services on health maintenance, recovery and elderly care.
The government furthermore urges private companies to invest in TCM services, adding that more favorable policies are underway to support the development scheme.
TCM services will be available in all community health hubs, township medical establishments and in the majority of village clinics, the plan added.
Moreover, TCM facilities and institutions will also be subject to close control and monitoring, including regular assessment methods geared at enriching examination services.
The aid of information technology will also be utilized to efficiently and effectively enhance the country's traditional medicine sector.
TCM can be traced to as far back as 2,000 years ago; hence many see this as a true Chinese treasure. This kind of medicine utilized over 1,000 kind of materials that mainly come from plants, animals and minerals.
