Promoting Chinese Medicine Development

Today, I and Secretary for Food and Health Dr Ko Wing-man and Chairman of the Hospital Authority (HA) Mr Anthony Wu visited the Chinese Medicine Clinic of the Hong Kong Tuberculosis Association to get a better understanding of our front-line Chinese medicine services.

Since the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory regime for Chinese medicine practitioners in 1999, we have seen significant improvements in the regulatory framework for Chinese medicine over the past decade. With this good progress in mind, I proposed in my election manifesto to promote the development of Chinese medicine. As all necessary regulatory measures are in place now, it is time for us to discuss practical ways to further develop Chinese medicine in Hong Kong. This proposal is welcomed by the community, particularly the Chinese medicine sector.

I also proposed in my election manifesto to set up a Chinese Medicine Development Committee. Later on today, we will announce the formation of a preparatory task force to advise the Government on the Committee’s terms of reference and composition.

Currently there are 16 Chinese medicine clinics operating through tripartite collaboration involving the HA. Every year almost 1 million patient visits are paid to these clinics for medical consultations, which proves clearly the importance of Chinese medicine in primary health care and its wide popularity among the general public.

With the setting up of the preparatory task force and the upcoming Committee to further develop Chinese medicine, the Government and all parties will work closely together to better serve the medical needs of our people.

August 14, 2012