TCM in the Media

Highlights of TCM news around the world.

China applies to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for cultural heritage status for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

China has begun the process to apply to UNESCO designating TCM status as one of the world's "intangible" cultural heritages. Shen Zhixiang, an official with the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and a team leader of the application program, said that TCM as an intangible cultural heritage is systematic, complete, documented and widespread. UNESCO has agreed to make TCM one of the programs in China's five-year plan for heritage application. China's Ministry of Culture has also approved the inclusion of TCM on the country's first list of national intangible cultural heritages under protection.

—People's Daily Online; January 10, 2006

Coca-Cola signs a 15-year agreement with China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CATCM) in Beijing

The beverage giant is the first corporation to sign a collaborative agreement involving preventative health with CATCM. Coca-Cola will work with CATCM researchers and practitioners on a variety of projects that span "health and wellness communications and strategies that encompass TCM philosophies to scientific research on TCM herbs and herbal products that could lead to the commercialization of new wellness beverages."

—Drinks Business Review; December 19, 2005

Inauguration of China's first children's hospital for leukemia

China's first hospital for treating children suffering from leukemia was officially inaugurated in Beijing. Opened by the Chinese Red Cross Foundation, the hospital will offer both traditional Chinese medicine and Western treatments. According to Red Cross statistics, China has about four million leukemia patients and half of them are children.

—ChinaView.cn; January 14, 2006