AI seen unlocking new growth potential for TCM

Artificial intelligence is expected to create fresh momentum for the development of traditional Chinese medicine, as China accelerates the application of digital technologies across healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, experts said recently.

AI can help improve clinical diagnosis, pharmaceutical research, smart hospital construction, health management services and data-based governance, while creating new opportunities for the modernization and international expansion of TCM, they said at the inaugural World Congress of Artificial Intelligence in Traditional Chinese Medicine in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.

Ma Jianzhong, president of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies, said that TCM has reached 196 countries and regions, serving as an important bridge for international health cooperation and cultural exchange.

"Artificial intelligence provides TCM with technological wings, while the unique wisdom of TCM will, in turn, open up new application scenarios for AI," Ma said.

He said the deeper integration of TCM and AI has broad prospects, adding that global TCM professionals should work together to build standards, strengthen international cooperation and enhance the sector's global influence.

The Hangzhou Declaration on Global Artificial Intelligence in Traditional Chinese Medicine was also released at the congress, with a focus on data security, standard development, ethical governance and open cooperation.

Zhang Boli, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a renowned TCM specialist, said in a video address to the congress that AI is not merely a tool revolution for TCM, but also an expansion of cognition.

"AI can make innovation more efficient," Zhang said.

However, Zhang also cautioned that generative AI still carries potential security risks, calling for management measures to promote the healthy and sustainable development of TCM AI.

Zhejiang, a major province for both TCM resources and digital economy development, has already explored digital TCM applications in areas such as prescription coding, medical record connectivity, online pharmacy services and smart governance.

Experts said the next stage will require stronger cooperation across the TCM, healthcare, technology and industrial sectors to accelerate the integration of digital-intelligent technologies with the full TCM industry chain and turn innovation into broader health benefits.