The total output value of Tibetan medicine in Tibet has exceeded 1.3 billion yuan and is highly favored by patients from mainland China.

　　A reporter from the Economic Reference News learned at the 8th Session of the 8th Committee of the Tibet Autonomous Region Party Committee held recently that the total output value of Tibetan medicine in Tibet has exceeded 1.3 billion yuan. A number of Tibetan medicine enterprises have gradually grown into sizable operations, and a basic Tibetan medicine system has been established. Some Tibetan medicines have already begun to spread beyond the plateau and are gaining popularity among patients on the mainland.

　　Tibetan medicine is currently one of the most comprehensive and influential ethnic medicines in China. In recent years, Tibet has proposed a holistic approach driven by broad vision and strategic thinking to propel the Tibetan medicine sector toward leapfrog development—particularly by leveraging market forces to formulate industrial plans for Tibetan medicines, restructure and optimize the layout of the Tibetan medicine industry, vigorously guide Tibetan medicine enterprises in their transformation and upgrading, improve the investment and financing environment for these enterprises, and foster the vigorous development of the Tibetan medicine industry, thereby giving rise to a number of Tibetan medicine enterprises that are gradually scaling up.

　　The reporter learned from the Health and Family Planning Commission of the Tibet Autonomous Region that there are currently 18 Tibetan medicine manufacturers throughout Tibet, all of which have been certified by the national GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice for Pharmaceuticals). Among them are listed Tibetan medicine companies such as Qizheng Tibetan Medicine and Tibet Pharmaceutical.

　　Data from Tibet Qizheng Tibetan Medicine Co., Ltd. show that in 2014, the company achieved sales revenue of 950 million yuan and a net profit of 238 million yuan, providing products and services to patients through more than 20,000 medical institutions and 22,000 pharmacies.

　　Nima Ciren, the dean of the Tibet Tibetan Medical College, said that most of the medicinal herbs used in Tibetan medicine are sourced from high-altitude regions characterized by extreme temperature differences and intense sunlight. Tibetan medicinal formulas predominantly consist of herbal plants and have shown remarkable efficacy in treating certain complex and difficult-to-cure diseases. In particular, bloodletting therapy and medicinal baths—both integral components of Tibetan medicine—exhibit unique therapeutic effects in the treatment of disorders affecting the digestive system, cardiovascular system, and rheumatic conditions.

　　Thanks to this, Tibetan medicine is gradually gaining popularity among patients from mainland China. At the Xueyu Pharmacy in Lhasa, the reporter observed many tourists purchasing products such as Zhenzhu Qishiyi Pills for treating cerebral infarction and Qizheng Xiaotong Plaster for rheumatoid arthritis. Shopkeeper Ma Shaobu said, “In recent years, the number of tourists visiting Tibet has been increasing, and so has the number of mainlanders coming to buy Tibetan medicines. Mainland buyers now account for roughly 15% to 20% of our customers.”

　　At the Tibet Autonomous Region’s Conference on the Development of Tibetan Medicine, Lozang Jiangcun, Chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region Government, stated that Tibet will strive to achieve three major goals: building a Tibetan medicine service system covering all levels of urban and rural areas; establishing a Tibetan medicine industry model characterized by diversified structures and integrated research, production, and sales; and cultivating a Tibetan medicine talent pool that meets both public and market demands. To this end, Tibet aims to develop itself into a national clinical research base for Tibetan hospitals, a nationwide center for Tibetan medical care, and a national research center for Tibetan medicine.

　　According to the relevant plan for the development of the Tibetan medicine industry in the Tibet Autonomous Region, in order to promote the scaled development of the Tibetan medicine industry, Tibet will encourage mergers and reorganizations among Tibetan medicine enterprises, actively establish Tibetan medicine enterprise groups, and urge financial institutions to provide support for the development of the Tibetan medicine industry. Eligible enterprises will receive active support in areas such as loans, bond issuance, and short-term financing bills. Furthermore, pharmaceutical companies meeting the eligibility criteria will be encouraged to go public on the capital market to raise funds.

　　Reporting media: Economic Reference News

　　Report link: http://jjckb.xinhuanet.com/2015-12/25/c_134951003.htm