China spent nearly 288 million yuan (about US$43.43 million) over the past five years to boost traditional Tibetan medicine and improve medical facilities in Tibet Autonomous Region.

The central government sponsored the establishment of new hospitals in 20 counties and the renovation of six prefecture-level hospitals in Tibet between 2006 and 2010, with a combined investment of 128 million yuan, Tibet's regional health department said in a press release Friday.

The regional treasury allocated 52 million yuan to renovate local medical facilities.

A 40-million-yuan research body is being established to facilitate research and development projects in traditional Tibetan medicine.

The Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine have earmarked an additional 68 million yuan to improve pharmaceutical and first-aid services in Tibetan hospitals.

Tibetan medicine is at least 2,300 years old, having absorbed the influences of traditional Chinese, Indian and Arab medicine.

Tibet has a traditional medical service network led by the Lhasa-based Tibetan Hospital. The network includes 28 other hospitals across the region.

Tibet's 18 medical firms produce 148 kinds of traditional medication.

Last year, the regional pharmaceutical industry's output totaled 628 million yuan.

(Xinhua News Agency January 8, 2011)