Chinese lawmakers have called for stricter management of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) production.

During panel deliberations on December 19, legislators discussed a draft law on TCM, tabled for a third reading at the ongoing bimonthly session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, and agreed that the quality and safety of TCM materials should be ensured with improved regulations.

"Bad materials will lead to ineffective treatments, and cause people to mistrust TCM," legislator Jia Chunmei said during the discussion.

Legislators applauded the draft as it stresses enhanced supervision over farms producing TCM materials, adding that growth hormones used for herb cultivation should be put under control.

"Overuse of growth hormones will sacrifice quality for quantity," said legislator Zhang Boli.

Meanwhile, legislators urged specific rules that clarify civil and criminal responsibilities of those who violate the TCM law.

(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2016)