China considers traditional Chinese medicine legislation

BEIJING -- China's cabinet, the State Council, issued a draft on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) legislation for public review on Thursday.

China will establish a comprehensive TCM medical service system covering both urban and rural areas, the draft said.

Local governments above the county level should set up TCM departments in public hospitals and promote TCM service in grassroots clinics, according to the draft.

The country encourages private capital to participate in building the TCM system and will guarantee it enjoys the same rights for market entry and medical operations.

The Chinese government will enhance the research and development of TCM with sound quality control, the draft said.

China will also strive to develop and enrich "TCM culture." The central government will include TCM culture in the national culture promotion plan and designate every October 11 as TCM Day.