China places high importance on the development of TCM. From the early days of the People’s Republic, integrating TCM with modern medicine has been a core health policy, establishing TCM’s vital role.
Major Policy Milestones:
1978: The Central Committee endorsed a report addressing critical shortages in the TCM workforce, significantly boosting support through funding, personnel, and resources. China’s Constitution explicitly mandates the development of both modern and traditional medicine to protect public health.
1986: A dedicated national administrative body for TCM was established under the State Council, mirrored by provincial agencies nationwide, providing crucial organizational support. The “equal emphasis on Chinese and Western medicine” principle was formally adopted as a key national health policy.
2003 & 2009: Landmark regulations were enacted:
Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on TCM (2003).
Opinions on Supporting and Promoting the Development of TCM (2009).
These solidified a comprehensive TCM policy framework.
Post-2012 (18th Party Congress): TCM development became a higher priority. Key decisions included:
Explicit directives to “vigorously promote the revitalization of TCM”.
Reinforcing the “equal emphasis” policy and support for TCM development in Party Congress resolutions.
2015: The State Council passed the draft TCM Law, submitted to the National People’s Congress, paving the way for stronger legal foundations.
2016: Two major strategic documents elevated TCM:
“Healthy China 2030” Plan: Positioned TCM revitalization as central to national health goals.
TCM Development Strategic Plan Outline (2016-2030): Designated TCM development as a national strategy, outlining a systematic roadmap.
These collective decisions mark a new era, outlining a comprehensive blueprint for revitalizing TCM, reforming the healthcare system, building a healthcare system with Chinese characteristics, advancing Healthy China, and enhancing TCM’s global health contributions.
