Tianmu News:

It's known to all that the grassroots have strong demands for TCM. Regarding the "last mile" in delivering TCM services, what "prescriptions" do you have to better serve the people at the grassroots level?

Qin Huaijin:

Thank you for your question. As you mentioned, since TCM services are simple, easy, cheap and effective, they have been well received at the grassroots level. Over the past few years, the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine?has made it a top priority to strengthen the capacity of community-level TCM services, continuously promoted the implementation of projects to improve the capacity of community-level TCM services, and adopted various measures to bring quality TCM services to the people at the grassroots level.

First, we have constantly improved the grassroots TCM services network. Since 2012, the central government budget has supported the construction of 36,700 TCM clinics. As of the end of 2020, 85.38% of community health services centers and 80.14% of township health centers across the country have set up TCM clinics. And 99% of community health services centers, 98% of township health centers, 90.6% of community health services stations, and 74.5% of village clinics have TCM service capabilities.

Second, we have continually strengthened building grassroots TCM talent teams. Through targeted training, TCM general practitioner training, the establishment of inheritance studios for well-known and veteran grassroots TCM experts, and smooth grassroots talent career development channels, we have expanded the supply of grassroots talents, encouraged talents to work at the grassroots level, and improved the development environment for grassroots talents. By the end of 2020, there were an average of 0.66 general TCM practitioners per 10,000 residents in urban and rural areas, while 82.4% of community health services stations and 58.92% of village clinics were equipped with at least one doctor who can provide TCM services.

Third, we have widely promoted applicable TCM techniques, also known as TCM therapies, at the grassroots level. Relying on existing TCM medical institutions, all localities have strengthened their capacity for promoting applicable TCM techniques at the grassroots level. A total of 32 provincial-level bases and more than 1,820 county-level bases have been established for the promotion of applicable TCM techniques. By the end of 2020, 86.04% of community health services centers and 81.03% of township health centers were able to provide more than six types of TCM techniques and therapies.

Fourth, we have carried out paired TCM assistance between urban and rural areas. We have coordinated 403 Grade-III hospitals to assist 699 county-level TCM hospitals and continually improved the service capabilities of county-level TCM hospitals by means of stationed on-site assistance, personnel training, and technical guidance.

Going forward, we will conscientiously implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, further leverage the unique advantages of TCM, strengthen building a grassroots talent pool, continuously improve service capabilities, and play a more important role in accelerating the construction of a healthy China and serving the health of the people. Thank you.