China considers enhanced supervision of TCM

BEIJING - China's top legislature is reading a draft law on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on Monday, which calls for stronger management of the industry.

The draft, now in its second reading, was submitted to the bimonthly session of the National People' s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, which runs from Monday to Saturday.

Under the revised draft, pharmaceutical companies and TCM dealers must keep records of their purchases.

It also stresses stricter management of farms used in TCM herb cultivation, better environmental protection for regions growing herbs, enhanced safety during processing and improved research on TCM theories and techniques.

The draft also contains a general principle stipulating that China supports TCM studies, encourages innovation in TCM and promotes the application of such skills.

A new chapter on TCM studies was added to the revised draft.

The initial draft was first read in a bimonthly session in December 2015.