Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region held a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) themed conference on Oct 21 to push forward the inheritance, innovation, and development of Zhuang and Yao medicine, the traditional medicine of Zhuang and Yao minority groups in Guangxi.

Lu Xinshe, Party secretary of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, noted that there are unprecedented opportunities as TCM development has been made a national strategy. The market demand of TCM is growing, along with TCM's domestic and overseas influences, laying a solid foundation for the prosperity of TCM in Guangxi.

The curative effect of Zhuang and Yao medicine, as well as their role in disease prevention and control will be further improved through a number of measures. These include supporting TCM development through both inheritance and innovation, encouraging the combination of Chinese and Western medicine, deepening medical reform in TCM, devoting efforts in talent cultivation, as well as expanding foreign exchanges and cooperation.

It is expected that TCM institutions at different levels, including 3A-grade hospitals, county-level medical institutions, and community medical service centers, will be available all over the region in the next three to five years.

The service system of Zhuang and Yao medicine will be further optimized to increase the comprehensive service capability of TCM, offering a whole-chain TCM service featuring prevention, treatment, as well as rehabilitation for people.

Yu Wenming, head of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, spoke highly of Guangxi's achievements in developing TCM in recent years during the conference. Yu added that the administration will continue to support and cooperate with Guangxi in its efforts to bolster the development of Zhuang and Yao medicine.

Lan Tianli, acting chairman of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, chaired the conference and said that Zhuang and Yao medicine will be built into an important emerging industry in Guangxi.

He added that government departments at all levels should make joint contributions to TCM development through initiatives like offering more policy support and increasing capital input.

The main venue of the conference was in Nanning, capital of Guangxi, attracting attendees including government officials, outstanding TCM experts, as well as representatives from medical institutions, companies, and universities. Sub venues were also set up in cities and counties (county-level cities or districts) around the region.