Investments, Research, Education, and TCM

The Chapter introduces the main private and public investment in Chinese traditional Medicine in accordance with the strategy outlined in the last three Five Years Plans (FYP) by the Chinese Government. In fact, since the 11 FYP the Chinese Government emphasized its engagement on increasing the scientific reliability of Chinese Traditional Medicine and investing in Chinese Traditional Medicine. Therefore this chapter will analyse the steps made since 2000 in order to improve the reliability of Chinese Traditional Medicine through the recognition of the CTM, the recognition of the competences and skills of the CTM doctors, the research on CTM and finally the promotion of CTM in a different perspective and in accordance with its scientific based effects. The chapter analyse the investment in CTM in terms of amount, public or private, and type of investment. Moreover what have been done and what will be done in terms of the recognition of CTM qualifications. Finally the role of CTM may play as an alternative or complementary medicine to the western one in China and at world wide level.