More Chinese improving TCM literacy

More Chinese are understanding and using information about traditional Chinese medicine, the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine said on Wednesday.

About 15.3 percent of China's population was considered literate in the field of TCM last year, up nearly two percentage points from 2017 and 2.5 percentage points from 2016, according to a national survey on TCM literacy led by the administration.

It is estimated that more than 158 million people aged 15 to 69 gained a basic understanding of TCM, the administration said.

The survey, initiated last October, polled more than 80,000 people across the country in questionnaires and interviews.

People who received limited education at school are catching up fast. Those with nine years of formal education have reported an increase of 26 percentage points in TCM literacy last year.

The less developed, western parts of the country also improved TCM literacy by 2 percentage points. In impoverished regions, the average level of TCM literacy has also increased significantly.

Zha Dezhong, an official with the administration, said more efforts will be devoted to improving TCM literacy in rural areas and in western areas of the country, including awareness campaigns and free consultations.

To facilitate the understanding of TCM by different age groups, the administration will roll out tailored education campaigns targeting the elderly and those with limited formal education.