On October 24, Sichuan convened the Meeting on Advancing the National Demonstration Zone for TCM Comprehensive Reform and the Plenary (Enlarged) Session of the Provincial Leading Group for Building a TCM Powerhouse Province. Shi Xiaolin, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee and Governor of the People's Government of Sichuan Province, attended and delivered a speech. She emphasized the need to thoroughly implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important statements on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) work, earnestly deliver the arrangements of the Party Central Committee and the State Council, as well as the requirements set by the provincial Party committee, adhere to the principles of putting the people first and valuing life above all, make greater efforts and take a higher stance to promote the preservation and development of TCM with upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, continuously improve the quality of TCM services, vigorously push for new achievements in the construction of the demonstration zone for the comprehensive reform of TCM and the high-quality TCM development, and move faster to build the province as a TCM powerhouse.

Shi Xiaolin pointed out that TCM is a valuable asset of Chinese civilization, boasting a profound heritage, unique advantages, and vast potential for growth and advancement. Sichuan has a distinguished history as a major province in TCM and is the only region in western China designated as a national demonstration zone for comprehensive reform of TCM. Preservation and innovative development of TCM are vital for progressing the Healthy China and Healthy Sichuan initiatives, essential for effectively meeting people's aspirations for a better life, and also important avenues for cultivating and developing new quality productive forces. In this endeavor, we possess the necessary groundwork, advantages, and obligations.

Shi Xiaolin emphasized the need to focus on pivotal domains, further deepen the comprehensive reform of TCM, concentrate efforts on achieving breakthroughs in areas such as improving management systems and mechanisms, refining the medical insurance system, bolstering scientific and technological innovation, and enhancing talent training, optimize resource planning and layout in line with population structures and demands, strengthen scientific and technological innovation through organized endeavors, such as establishing a science and technology innovation consortium, cultivate and perpetuate the core values of nobility, kindness, and devotion that are intrinsic to the medical profession, employ modern concepts, methods, technologies, and mechanisms to drive innovation and reform in TCM, and ensure the effective development of the national demonstration zone for the comprehensive reform of TCM. It is important to emphasize and leverage our strengths. We should continuously improve the capabilities of TCM services, capitalize on the unique role of TCM in preemptive prevention, treatment of major diseases, and rehabilitation, promote the integration of urban and rural services, strengthen the preservation and innovative development of ethnic minority medicine, and innovate the service model combining Chinese and Western medicine, push for the effective implementation of major TCM projects, and strive to build a high-quality, efficient, balanced, and accessible TCM service system. It is important to enhance our industrial ecosystem thinking. We need to accelerate the development of the modern Chinese medicine industry, foster and expand chain-master enterprises, focus on improving the quality of Chinese medicinal herbs, promote the quality and efficiency of the TCM industry, extend and expand the industrial chain, promote the integrated development that intertwines TCM with cultural tourism, food, health care, and sports, and genuinely transform resource advantages into economic benefits and competitive strengths. It is important to highlight the promotion of TCM culture. We need to continuously expand the reach and impact of TCM, stay confident in our culture, vigorously implement the culture promotion project, delve into and refine the core elements of Sichuan-style TCM culture, and strengthen preservation, public awareness, and international exchanges so as to facilitate the global promotion of TCM and ensure its broader development and recognition.

Shi Xiaolin emphasized the need to closely integrate the development of TCM with the maintenance of people's health and the promotion of high-quality economic and social development, further strengthen organizational efforts and leadership, improve work coordination mechanisms, and adopt a coordinated approach for the development of TCM across its sectors, industry, and culture, establish and improve supporting policies and measures, continuously enhance the governance of TCM, and contribute new and greater strength to promoting the Healthy Sichuan Initiative and writing a new chapter of Sichuan in advancing Chinese modernization.

Zheng Li, Member of the Standing Committee and Head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee, attended the meeting. Yang Xingping, Vice Governor of the People's Government of Sichuan Province, presided over the meeting. The Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Office of Foreign Affairs Committee of the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee, the Provincial Department of Economy and Information, the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the Provincial Healthcare Security Administration reported relevant situations. Representatives from Chengdu City, Yibin City, and Sichuan Good Doctor Panxi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., as well as Chen Shilin, an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, among others, spoke at the meeting. Also present were leading officials from member units of the Leading Group, relevant cities (prefectures) and departments, some universities, research institutes, medical institutions, associations, and business entities, among others.