The establishment of the Pan European Federation of TCM Societies (PEFOTS) was both well-timed and necessary, China’s vice-minister of the Public Health Ministry and Director General of the State Administration of TCM told PEFOTS chairman Mr Dong Zhi lin at their meeting in Beijing on 5 March, 2002.

 

Welcoming the meeting with Mr Dong – held to exchange ideas about the current status and development of TCM in Europe – Prof. She recalled her own recent visit to Europe where she found the development of Chinese medicine to be quite impressive. She hoped that PEFOTS would continue to work hard for the official recognition of TCM in Europe.

 

Mr. Dong was grateful for Prof. She’s concern, particularly as he considers Chinese medicine to be facing a major challenge in Europe now. Administrative regulation of Chinese herbs has intensified since the issue of "a Draft Directive on Traditional Herbal Medicine" by the European Commission Agency and recently a Directive proposal for the European Parliament and the Council. Mr.Dong believes it is now a matter of urgency for all practitioners of Chinese medicine in Europe to work together to fight for TCM legalization. In recent months, PEFOTS had contact with EU government officials and the TCM federation board members met in Portugal to discuss the new TCM situation and the actions needed. Plans were made to create a better understanding and popularisation of Chinese medicine in Europe. In October 2002, an important TCM academic conference will be held in Barcelona, Spain and more than 800 people from all over the world are expected to participate.
Prof. She appreciated the efficient work done by PEFOTS. Mr. Dong warmly invited her to visit Europe again and to attend the meeting in Barcelona later this year.