Hong Kong's first and only traditional Chinese medicine hospital has upped its quota for subsidised outpatient services, with the increase taking effect on Saturday.

This is the fourth time the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) in Tseung Kwan O has ramped up its quota for subsidised services since its opening in December.

Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau made the announcement during the opening ceremony of the inaugural Hong Kong Global Summit on Chinese Medicine and Integrative Medicine at the facility on Saturday.

He said the expansion is to prepare for a 24/7 service launch in December.

“To meet keen public demand and prepare for the launch of 24-hour inpatient services this December, Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong will, with effect from today, increase the quota for government-subsidised outpatient services for the fourth time,” Lo said.

“It is expected that the total service volume in its first year of operation will be more than double that of the original plan.”

Lo noted that the hospital would launch various programmes starting this month, including on post-stroke care and low back pain care.

The plan is to develop a “Hong Kong model” that integrates Chinese and Western medicine services, he added.

Lo also noted the Chinese medicine hospital has entered into partnerships with various mainland hospitals, including those from Beijing, Shanghai, Henan Province, as well as from Foshan in Guangdong.

“CMHHK has earlier entered into 16 collaboration agreements with local universities, key hospitals from mainland provinces and municipalities, as well as international institutions,” he said.

“CMHHK will continue to take forward its development strategy of promoting cross-regional and multi-institutional collaborations in an orderly manner.”



Edited by Tony Sabine