China to archive ancient medical texts

Beijing, Aug 25 (IANS) China has launched a massive project to archive ancient medical books in order to promote the preservation of traditional Chinese medicine, said authorities.

The project, part of an ancient document preservation programme introduced in 2006, will be the most comprehensive archival of traditional Chinese medicine writings since 1949, reported Xinhua citing a statement.

The size of the project is not yet known, although a report issued last June said it will include at least 2,800 documents.

The statement said the project will also include medical writings by ethnic groups and writings from overseas.