Policy text analysis on inheritance and innovation of Mongolian medicine culture in China

Objective: To analyze the focuses and shortcomings of policies for the inheritance of and innovations in traditional Chinese medicine (Mongolian medicine) culture in China and to provide a reference for the subsequent optimization of relevant policies. Methods: The classification method of policy tools proposed by Rothwell and Zegveld was adopted. The policy objective dimensions were integrated, Nvivo15 software was used to conduct a coding analysis of 30 policy texts in the field of the inheritance of and innovations in traditional Chinese medicinal (Mongolian medicinal) culture from 2016-2024, and a two-dimensional analysis framework was constructed on the basis of policy tools and objectives. Results: In the X dimension (policy tools), supply-type policy tools accounted for the greatest proportion (40.92%), followed by the environment type (39.28%), and the demand type accounted for the least (19.80%). In the Y dimension (policy objectives), the construction of talent teams accounted for the greatest proportion (25.63%). Relatively fewer policy tools were available regarding the collation of ancient medical books and theoretical innovation research (6.88%) and standardization projects (6.25%). Conclusion: The configuration of policy instruments is structurally imbalanced, showing a "supply-prioritized and demand-neglected" pattern, with insufficient support for basic policy objectives (e.g., financial support, standardization projects). Implementation Suggestions A phased framework with explicit time nodes and prioritized steps is proposed for policymakers: [1] Short-term horizon (1-2 years): Filling supply-side gaps by increasing financial support to 8-10% (focusing on Mongolian medicine ancient document collation and digital platforms) and launch demand-side pilots (e.g., integrating into regional medical insurance, establishing 2-3 inheritance demonstration bases). [2] Medium-term (3-5 years): Optimize supply-side structure, raise demand-side instrument proportion to 25-30%, and promote the standardization of Mongolian medicine hospital preparations. [3] Long-term (more than 5 years): Establish a dynamic matching matrix between policy instruments and objectives, conduct annual evaluations, and improve multi-departmental collaboration. Prioritized steps: supplement financial gaps → launch demand-side pilots → optimize supply structure and promote standardization → establish long-term adjustment mechanisms. These measures aim to maximize policy effectiveness and promote the sustainable inheritance and innovation of Mongolian medicine culture.