Reflections on development status of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Central Asian countries / 国际中医中药杂志

ABSTRACT

Central Asia is an important hub connecting the Asian continent and European continent, and one of the key regions for China's foreign exchange and cooperation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Central Asian countries have relatively backward medical conditions, and TCM has become an important part of local healthcare. Regulations on traditional/complementary and alternative medicine have been issued in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan; acupuncture and moxibustion has been covered by medical insurance in Kyrgyzstan; TCM has existed in other Central Asian countries in form of folk medicine. Central Asian countries are extremely rich in medicinal plant resources, but weak in foundation of pharmaceutical industry. Chinese government has signed cooperation agreements on TCM with many Central Asian countries, and the practical cooperation in the field of traditional medicine have continued to expand. At present, the development of TCM in Central Asian countries still faces problems such as weak foundation for the development and utilization of medicinal materials, shortage of professionals talents in TCM education and small scale of TCM clinics. In view of the above, in order to promote the dissemination and development of TCM in Central Asian countries, it is recommended that relevant units promote the establishment of joint laboratories or research centers of Chinese materia medica; give full play to local resource advantages and promote the development of medicinal plant industry; to strengthen the construction of overseas centers of TCM; actively carry out joint education or further education projects, and cultivate localized senior talents.