China launches special TCM initiative for betterment of public health

BEIJING — China has launched a special three-year program to promote the role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in enhancing public health.

According to the relevant implementation plan issued by the National Health Commission and two other departments, the program will be carried out as part of the Healthy China initiative.

It will focus on eight aspects, including the application of TCM in maternal and child healthcare, elderly care, preventative treatment for chronic diseases, adolescent myopia and obesity, as well as popularization of TCM knowledge, according to the implementation plan.

A slew of measures have been devised regarding each aspect, with specific goals to achieve over the period.

According to the plan, by 2025, 90 percent of the top-tier maternal and child care institutions will provide TCM services. The rate of TCM-supported health management among children will reach 85 percent and that among people aged 65 and above will rise to 75 percent.