BEIJING, Nov. 2 -- A spokesman from the State
Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine made a statement at a press
conference recently saying the proposal to abolish traditional Chinese medicine
(TCM) is to deny history. China's Ministry of Health also showed a strong
objection to the proposal, saying it is ignorant to the important role of TCM.
Zhang Gongyao, who claims to have learned traditional
Chinese medicine for 33 years, alleges traditional Chinese medicine is not based
on science with no clinical experiments. China should put all efforts into
developing Western medicine. An online petition to abolish traditional Chinese
medicine was launched by him. About 138 Internet users took part in it. Most
expressed their disapproval to the opinion and the petition drew heated refutes
from experts and scholars in the traditional Chinese medical field.
In the statement, the spokesman added traditional
Chinese medicine now faces two tasks: to offer better service and raise health
levels among people. It also needs to improve efforts to promote traditional
Chinese medicine.
What's more, China is making preparations to apply
for World Intangible Heritage status for traditional Chinese medicine. According
to Xinhua News Agency, the preparation job started in 2003. A formal application
will be submitted when the UN accepts and handles the project.
TCM, with its unique diagnostic methods, systematic
approach, abundant historical literature and materials, has attracted much
attention from the international community. TCM is well recognized for its
remarkable effectiveness in offsetting side effects caused by toxic and chemical
treatment of cancer cases in Western medical systems.
The following are results of survey conducted by
sina.com asking respondents how feel about TCM as of 11:35 a.m. Beijing time on
Thursday from 49061 participants.
1. Should TCM be abolished?
A. TCM should be given
full support : 74.59%
B. Let TCM be :15.81%
C. Yes : 9.6%
2. What do you choose when you go to the
hospital?
A. Western medicine :57.53%
B. TCM : 42.47%
3. Do you think TCM has advantages?
A. Yes, fewer
side effects : 41.23%
B. Yes, more comprehensive treatment: 40.45%
C. No,
no clinical practice: 18.32%
(Source: CRIENGLISH.com)
