AI Opens New Path for Traditional Chinese Medicine
JAKARTA - China has begun bringing its traditional medicine to the high-tech track. Artificial intelligence or AI is considered to be able to accelerate the development of traditional Chinese medicine or TCM, from patient diagnosis, drug research, smart hospitals, to data-based health services.
China Daily, quoted Thursday, July 2, reported that the view emerged at the first World Congress of Artificial Intelligence in Traditional Chinese Medicine in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Experts assessed that AI can open up new opportunities for the modernization of TCM and expand its influence in the world.
TCM is a traditional Chinese medicine system that has long been part of the country's health and cultural services.
Ma Jianzhong, President of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies, said that TCM has now reached 196 countries and regions. According to him, TCM is an important bridge for international health cooperation and cultural exchange.
"Artificial intelligence gives TCM a technological wing, while TCM's unique wisdom in turn will open up new application scenarios for AI," said Ma.
Ma assessed that the integration of TCM and AI has broad prospects. However, he emphasized the need for common standards, international cooperation, and strengthening the global influence of the sector.
During the congress, participants also released the Hangzhou Declaration on Global Artificial Intelligence in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The declaration highlights data security, standard development, ethical governance, and open cooperation.
Zhang Boli, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and TCM expert, said AI is not only a new tool for TCM. According to him, the technology also expands the way to understand and develop traditional medicine.
"AI can make innovation more efficient," Zhang said in a video speech at the congress.
However, Zhang reminded that generative AI still has security risks. He called for management measures so that the development of AI for TCM remains healthy and sustainable.
Zhejiang is one of the areas that have tried to implement digital TCM. This province is strong in traditional medicine resources as well as the digital economy. Its uses include coding prescriptions, medical record connectivity, online pharmacy services, and smart governance.
Experts assess that the next stage requires closer cooperation between the TCM sector, health services, technology, and industry. The goal is to accelerate the implementation of smart digital technology throughout the TCM industry chain and turn innovation into broader health benefits.