China to test use of traditional medicine in public health programs
Shanghai. May 13. INTERFAX-CHINA - China's State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SATCM) plans to test the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in public health programs, according to a circular issued by the administration May 11.
The circular asks provincial-level health authorities to select one or two administrative districts under their authority by May 16 to participate in the test, and to submit working plans by May 20. SATCM will help fund the project, but did not say how much it will provide.
As part of the pilot scheme, children under six will receive TCM care once every two years, with a focus on common disorders against which TCMs have proven efficacy, such as anorexia, eczema, recurrent respiratory infection, coughs and obesity.
All pregnant women will receive TCM care to reduce the potential negative effects of pregnancy and appraise their post-natal condition.
Furthermore, patients over the age of 65 and those with hypertension or type 2 diabetes will receive TCM-based assessments and treatment once a year.
The measure is intended to promote the use of TCMs and improve access to public health services, which is among the five principle goals of China's ongoing health care reform.
- KZ
