BEIJING -- Traditional Chinese medicine has proven effective in the prevention and treatment of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and has unique strengths in preventing and treating emerging infectious diseases, said a TCM official.

TCM therapies have made outstanding achievements in the fight against COVID-19, according to Yu Wenming, head of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, at a seminar in Shanghai.

Yu pointed out that TCM has unique advantages in preventing and treating common, chronic and severe diseases, calling for the establishment of a medical system featuring the complementary and coordinated development of TCM and Western medicine.

Yu said that since the outbreak, TCM experts have actively participated in COVID-19 prevention and treatment, formulating and updating diagnosis and treatment protocols for the disease, and giving prescriptions based on clinical research.