2010-09-20 11:25

Established in 1957, the Sichuan Provincial hospital -- affiliated with the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) -- was one of China's first to specialize in the ancient art of holistic healing.

The hospital is located in Huanhua, Chengdu. After more than 50 years of development, the hospital has grown into a Grade III Class A TCM model hospital. It features a complete range of TCM subjects and comprehensive services, as well as the integration of medical treatment, education and scientific research.

In 2009, the hospital was identified as a national Chinese medicine clinical research base for diabetes (CMCBD). It received large State financial support for its efforts. The research is a strategic measure for the revitalization and development of Chinese medicines, said officials. Total investment is 438 million yuan.

A diabetes center registration & evaluation office was established to integrate relevant resources and form an intensive diabetes treatment care plan. A CMCBD building is currently under construction and will occupy 38 mu, with 23 floors. The project is progressing smoothly.

Under the guidance of Chinese medicinal theory, the CMCBD will conduct studies on the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications. It will establish three step systems for diabetes prevention, intervention and control. A team resource integration model and diabetes intensive treatment model, will assist with data collection management, health education and technology promotion. Officials hope to build a first-class Chinese medicine base integrating research, medical treatment and teaching.

In recent three years, the hospital has focused on complications associated with diabetes, including eye and kidney microvascular problems. Through national collaborative study, the CMCBD hopes to enhance treatment options, establishing integrated TCM microvascular complication prevention programs. The programs are aimed at reducing the risk of blindness and disability.

Other hospital goals include establishing a clinical study system based upon discipline and laboratory research. The base will build an ethical review program, feature strong data management and statistical analysis and emphasize information sharing, quality management and Chinese heritage. A first-class TCM clinical research team will be assembled along with an open, efficient operation system.

It is expected that through building a CMCBD, the risk of blindness for diabetic retinopathy can be reduced by 10 percent, and diabetic nephropathy proteinuria can be reduced by 30 percent.

The hospital has also developed TCM treatment programs for diabetic foot disease, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, diabetes related coronary heart disease and other vascular complications. All programs follow industry standards and guidelines.

Currently the medical facility has eight to 10 pharmacy approval numbers, six to eight patents and one issued patent. It has completed clinical research for one new drug, undertaken 10-15 state and bureau level diabetes-related projects and one to two international cooperative projects. Hospital researchers have published 10-20 papers in high -level international journals.

The construction of the national TCM clinical research base is a long-term process. However, officials believe that with constant effort and support, as well as the wisdom of a country, the affiliated hospital of the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine can become a leader in clinical research, and make new contributions to the development of the pharmaceutical industry.