Traditional Chinese Medicine Law Effective in China

A new law in China covering Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was passed in December last year and became effective as of July 1st, 2017. Under the new law, the Chinese government will promote access to TCM in medical clinics at or above the county level throughout the country. The government will also increase funding to support technological innovations, education and R&D in TCM.

The effectiveness of TCM remains widely debated in China, particularly among the younger population who have been more used to Western medicines. TCM has been used for over 2,500 years in China to treat a wide range of disorders, but so far there has been few scientific studies that support its efficacy. As China’s population continues to age, TCMs will provide another solution to address the country’s growing disease burden.