State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine- The collaborative service capabilities of traditional Chinese and Western medicine continue to improve
On September 12, the State Council Information Office held a press conference featuring Yu Yanhong, a member of the Party Leadership Group at the National Health Commission and Director of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. During the event, Yu delivered some noteworthy updates regarding the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medicine.
Yu highlighted that more than 90% of public comprehensive hospitals at the secondary level and above now have established TCM clinical departments. For the first time, 62 flagship hospitals and 559 flagship departments dedicated to the partnership between TCM and Western medicine have been identified, setting benchmarks for collaboration between the two medical practices.
The press conference, themed “Promoting High-Quality Development,” also featured prominent figures like Lei Haichao, Director of the National Health Commission, and Wang Hesheng, Deputy Director of the National Health Commission and Director of the National Disease Prevention and Control Bureau. They provided valuable insights and engaged with journalists’ questions.
Yu underscored the strengths of both TCM and Western medicine in tackling public health challenges, asserting that both modalities are essential tools for disease management. The National Health Commission and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine are dedicated to valuing both practices equally and showcasing their complementary benefits within China’s healthcare system. They are implementing several initiatives designed to foster collaboration through structural improvements, innovative models, and talent development, resulting in meaningful advancements.
On one side, the development of collaborative systems and mechanisms for TCM and Western medicine has been consistently reinforced. Following recent institutional reforms, the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine has introduced a department focused on integrating TCM and minority medicine to enhance national coordination. In partnership with the National Health Commission, specific measures have been established for TCM operations in comprehensive hospitals, aimed at strengthening the capabilities of both general and specialized hospitals, including maternal and child health facilities. Many hospitals are successfully implementing effective integration models, particularly in crucial areas such as oncology, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, and pediatrics. Clinicians from both domains are collaborating during rounds, consultations, and treatment planning, which has led to notable improvements in clinical outcomes.
On the other hand, service capabilities for TCM-Western medicine integration are making significant strides. Yu disclosed that over 90% of public comprehensive hospitals at the secondary level and above now include TCM clinical departments. Additionally, a groundbreaking initiative has led to the establishment of 62 flagship hospitals and 559 flagship departments for TCM-Western medicine cooperation, with renowned institutions like Peking Union Medical College Hospital, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, and Peking University First Hospital leading the charge. Focused on pressing health concerns including severe pancreatitis, stable coronary artery disease, and cancer, the collaborative efforts have resulted in significant advancements in treatment efficacy. Thus far, the first 52 high-level clinical treatment plans for TCM-Western medicine integration have been rolled out, and over 150 collaborative projects for managing major and complex diseases have been initiated. This ongoing exploration of new ideas, methods, and models is committed to providing the public with enhanced treatment options that leverage the strengths of both medical traditions.
Furthermore, support for talent development in TCM-Western medicine integration is being expanded. In partnership with the Ministry of Education, a nine-year educational reform pilot program promoting mandatory TCM courses in undergraduate clinical medicine curricula has been launched. There is a concerted effort to encourage Western medicine practitioners to learn about TCM, with national and provincial training programs having educated over 220,000 individuals, steadily enhancing the talent pool available for TCM-Western medicine integration.