China emerges as global medical tourism hotspot for TCM

 11-Apr-17, China Daily

Rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has in recent years gained popularity in a world dominated by modern Western medicine.

China's State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the National Development and Reform Commission in late 2016 set a target to build 10 TCM health tourism model zones offering medical treatment, wellness, recuperation, and elder care by 2020.

Image: Australian Business Forum

Clinics have proliferated outside of China, but many face challenges such as getting herbs across the border or luring experienced professionals to work overseas.

As a result, more foreigners are coming to China for TCM treatment or therapy. "We see a rising market in China," said Patients Beyond Borders CEO Josef Woodman. He said China can successfully compete with mature markets in the region, as it is strong in TCM treatment and its health care infrastructure is fast improving.

The next step, he said, will be to work toward promoting China as a medical tourism destination by working with the travel and economic development sectors.

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