Vice-Premier Liu Yandong outlined feasible approaches to revitalizing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) of all ethnic groups, aiming to safeguard the health and fitness of Chinese people as a whole.

She made the remarks while meeting ethnic minority representatives from the medicine industry on Nov 21.

China should cater to people’s demands for healthcare and further advance and standardize the application of traditional Chinese medicine, including ethnic minority medical drugs, in diagnostic and therapeutic practice, the vice-premier said.

Scientific research in medical mechanism, prescription, and efficacy should be strengthened to achieve the innovative development of TCM, she said.

Liu noted that efforts in promoting the pharmaceutical industry of minority ethnic groups contribute to their well-being and future prosperity, considerably facilitating the implementation of the policies regarding public health and poverty relief.

She also called for strengthening international exchange and cooperation in the healthcare industry, improving the mechanism of talent cultivation, and increasing incentives for them to ensure the supply of medical professionals.