CHENGDU, Dec. 21 (NBD) -- The third edition of the draft of the Law on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was submitted on Monday to the 25th session of 12th NPC Standing Committee for review.

The new version includes a number of new provisions, covering the charge standard for TCM services, expected prohibition of high-toxic pesticides from the planting of Chinese medicinal herbs, and regulation of TCM healthcare services.

In the panel discussion, some delegates shared views on individual provisions. Industry access remains the focus of attention of some standing committee members and NPC delegates.

The third edition stipulates that a filing system should be built to supervise TCM clinic openings and TCM preparation offering.

"Strong efforts are required to strengthen supervision over the planting of Chinese medicinal herbs, and a TCM assessment standard should be put in place to prevent TCM from being an obstacle of TCM development," NPC delegate Jia Chunmei said at the session. "No matter how great the formula is, effects will be compromised without quality TCM. If no improvements are made, an increasing number of people will lose faith in TCM and then in TCM doctors accordingly."

NPC delegate Wei Feiyan noted that the future TCM development should rely more on scientific approaches while sticking to traditional theories and methodology. She also called for rational and safe drug use as life is precious.