All 228 neighborhood health centers in Shanghai should provide
traditional Chinese medicine therapy within this year.
Officials from the Shanghai Health Bureau made the announcement
Wednesday at this year's TCM work conference.
To enhance service quality, authorities will train 200 general
practitioners in TCM theories and skills this year, officials
said.
"Facing a severe challenge from Western medicine, traditional
Chinese medicine is fading in the country," said Ma Qiang, vice
director of the bureau.
"However, TCM has a long history in China and has its strong
points in disease prevention, treatment, health protection and
recovery.
"TCM should play a more important role in the public health
system and in urgent health event responses."
The city will strengthen TCM study to prevent and control
infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and C and AIDS and enhance
its capability in emergency treatment.
(Shanghai Daily May 11, 2007)