On Aug 16, the 2nd Mongolian Medicine Expo, in conjunction with the Eurasian and Pacific Academic Forum on Mongolian Medicine, began in Tongliao, Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

Mongolian medical associations, research institutes for Mongolian medications, pharmaceutical entrepreneurs, and specialists from eight provinces and autonomous regions of China were invited to the expo and forum.

The 2nd Mongolian Medicine Expo and the Eurasian and Pacific Academic Forum on Mongolian Medicine begin in Tongliao, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Aug 16. [Photo by Yang Tenger/ northnews.cn]

Mongolian medicine has recently become a thriving industry in Inner Mongolia.

There are plantations of medicinal herbs covering over 20,000 hectares, with 22 types of local medicine ingredients being grown.

About 18 companies producing Mongolian medicine have registered 128 varieties of drugs and the total annual sales are up to 530 million yuan ($80 million). Local pharmaceutical labs have now reached $45.2 million in sales of Mongolian medications.

Among 122 Mongolian medicine hospitals, there are nearly 16,040 medical technicians and 5,664 practicing doctors. A lot of outpatients from Mongolia and Russia have come to Hohhot, capital of Inner Mongolia, for treatment.

Commissioner of the Inner Mongolian Food and Drug Administration, Yang Xi, said that during the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020), the regional government would establish industrial standards, invest in research projects, and extend domestic and international markets for Mongolian medicine.

"The annual project for Mongolian medicine will invest 100 million yuan, emphasizing ten main proposals to build the brand image as well as the drugs’ quality and efficacy," added Yang.

Officials from Inner Mongolia examine Mongolian drugs researched by local institutes. [Photo by Yang Tenger/northnews.cn]