China launches crackdown on illegal practices in TCM sector

China has launched a one-year campaign to crack down on illegal and irregular practices in the traditional Chinese medicine sector, according to an official announcement published by Xinhua News Agency.

The campaign was announced on Friday at a meeting jointly held by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and nine other government departments.

According to the announcement, the campaign will target practices that harm the public's health rights and interests, including unlicensed medical activities carried out under the guise of TCM-based healthcare and treatment, false advertising, livestream e-commerce sales exploiting the name of TCM, and the illegal or improper use of medical insurance funds.

Authorities will also strengthen oversight of TCM medical institutions and the quality of TCM services, improve long-term mechanisms for regulating professional conduct, and foster a clean and orderly environment within the TCM industry, the announcement said.