China releases plan to develop TCM services

BEIJING - The State Council, China's cabinet, published a five-year plan on Thursday to promote traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

The plan aims to increase the presence of TCM in health care and make TCM products and services more competitive abroad.

Over the 2015-2020 period, medical reform measures will continue, people's health will be improved, thus, helping to transform the economic development mode, according to the State Council.

Services on health maintenance, care and recovery, old-age care, and services that promote the TCM culture, are all included in the plan.

Private companies will be encouraged to invest in TCM services, and favorable policies will be rolled out to support development, the plan said.

TCM health care institutions will be promoted, and private capital will be encouraged to participate in the establishment of reputable institutions, groups and even chain organizations.

In addition, TCM services will be regulated, with related assessment methods drafted to enrich examination services.

To make services more convenient, information technology will be utilized.

All community health institutions, township hospitals and over 70 percent of the village clinics will be equipped with TCM service abilities.

Senior services will be encouraged to use TCM and nursing homes will be established focusing on TCM principles and techniques.

China announced plans to help TCM "go global", an official said during the Boao Forum for Asia annual conference last month.