Top TCM authority urges more scrutiny

China's top authority for traditional Chinese medicine has urged its branches across the country to take effective measures to combat irregularities in TCM healthcare services after a company in Tianjin was accused of misleading consumers about the effects of its herbal products.

In a statement released on Friday, the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine urged local TCM authorities across China to thoroughly inspect TCM advertising, training, healthcare services and products, and severely and promptly punish those involved in irregularities such as fake advertising and selling fake products to ensure people's health.

Although the health benefits of TCM have gained more public recognition, irregularities in healthcare services such as the illegal promotion of products and services have endangered people's health and erected hurdles to the development of TCM, it said.