Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday that Hong Kong will strive to become a bridgehead for traditional Chinese medicine to reach the world.

Lee, who officiated a launch ceremony of the Chinese Medicine Hospital and the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute, said the hospital has been welcomed by the public since it opened last month.

“The first batch of users has given very positive feedback on the hospital’s environment and professional services,” he said.

“The hospital has already added extra consultation quotas three times in its first month of operation to actively respond to the public’s demand.”

Lee said the country attaches great importance to the development of traditional Chinese medicine and the SAR will actively cooperate with national strategies.

“Traditional Chinese medicine is an important component of Hong Kong’s healthcare system. We are equipped with internationally aligned healthcare systems, regulations, standards and clinical research capabilities,” Lee said.

“The SAR government will fully promote the high-quality development of the traditional Chinese medicine, and leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages of being supported by the motherland and connected to the world under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle, making Hong Kong a bridgehead for traditional Chinese medicine to reach the world.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of the National Health Commission Lei Haichao said the public have high expectations of the new hospital.

It should explore and optimise collaboration between Western and traditional Chinese medicine, he added.

“Mainland traditional Chinese medicine institutions are willing to share their experiences with Hong Kong counterparts and establish a closer cooperative relationship, jointly leveraging the positive role of traditional Chinese medicine in promoting health,” he said.

Lei also said he hopes Hong Kong can boost the overseas promotion of traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese culture.