Surge in grassroots TCM clinics boosts public health services

The number of grassroots-level traditional Chinese medicine clinics has risen from around 3,000 in 2015 to 42,000 recently, the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine said during a news conference on Friday.

Xing Chao, deputy director of the administration's medical administration department, revealed that 99.6 percent of community healthcare centers and township-level rural clinics now offer TCM services.

This expansion has been fueled by over seven billion yuan ($960 million) in central finance investments, alongside the release of a series of regulations and policies, he said.

Xing also emphasized the government's efforts to cultivate grassroots TCM professionals, with a focus on training in six key therapies, including acupuncture, massage, cupping and moxibustion.

"More than 98 percent of community healthcare facilities and township rural clinics are capable of offering such TCM treatments," he said.

TCM has also played a pivotal role in strengthening public health services, providing health guidance and management services for the elderly and children, Xing added.

Fang Biling contributed to the story.