Hong Kong's first traditional Chinese medicine hospital opened on Thursday with government-subsidised services fully booked for the first month.

Health chief Lo Chung-mau was seen visiting the facility in Tseung Kwan O to oversee the first day of operations.

During the first year of operations, the hospital offers outpatient consultations, specialist clinic and day-care services. Inpatient services will be covered in the second year.

"Based on the integration of Chinese and Western medicines, we will develop a specific clinical protocol to address patients' needs," hospital chief executive Bian Zhaoxiang said.

"We will build up clinical research, focused on evidence-based approaches, to get more solid clinical evidence to support the Chinese medicine's efficacy and safety...and collaborate with local, national and international teams to promote that efficacy and safety worldwide."

While subsidised outpatient services were fully booked for the first month, reservations for specialised consultations reached 80 percent, according to hospital officials.

More than 180 patients made appointments for the first day, authorities added.

Among the first was Yiu.

"The consultation went smoothly and the practitioner explained everything clearly. The biggest flaw laid in the dispensing process, which took over half an hour," he said.

Another patient, Sham, said the cost was affordable but wished the hospital would also take healthcare vouchers.

Twenty-two traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and five Western medicine doctors are so far on staff, with authorities also revealing that 19 mainland doctors will be coming to the hospital with limited registration to help with clinical services, teaching and research.

Residents affected by the deadly blaze at Tai Po's Wang Fuk Court can visit the hospital for outpatient and day-patient services for free until the end of 2026.