Based on the data from the

Excerpts from National Statistics of Traditional Chinese Medicine

and the

China Statistical Yearbook of Public Health

from 2012 to 2021

we comparatively analyzed the current situation of and regional differences among provinces in the development of professionals of public health in general and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in specific in China over the past decade to identify regional characteristics

shortcomings

and challenges. The results showed that the number of licensed TCM physicians (and physician assistants) in China had increased significantly

but the growth of TCM pharmacists was relatively slow. On the other hand

the number of physicians (and assistants) per 10

000 people in China was significantly higher than that of TCM physicians

indicating a shortfall in the availability of TCM professionals. Additionally

the development of TCM workforce in different regions was uneven. In view of such status quo

it is suggested that the Chinese government should further strengthen its policy for the training of TCM pharmacists in particular and prioritize the development of TCM professionals in general to implement TCM development policies and measures. Moreover

it is important to formulate appropriate plans for TCM personnel cultivation

taking into account the specific needs of regional development. This will help to fill the lack of TCM human resources and promote the coordinated development of TCM and Western medicine.