HK's first Chinese Medicine Hospital to boost integration into public healthcare: John Lee

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said Tuesday that the city’s first-ever Chinese Medicine Hospital -- set to begin phased operations on December 11 -- will mark a significant milestone to integrate traditional Chinese medicine into its public healthcare system.

The hospital will be operated by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) under the supervision of the Health Bureau.

Lee said the hospital will serve three key roles: offering high-quality, diversified Chinese medicine services to the public; creating new opportunities for the development of Chinese medicine in the city; and supporting the nation’s goal of promoting Chinese medicine globally.

In its first year, the hospital will provide outpatient and day inpatient services, eventually expanding to 400 beds and serving an estimated 400,000 outpatient visits annually once fully operational.

The hospital will also collaborate with three universities -- The Chinese University (CUHK), HKBU and The University of Hong Kong (HKU) -- to establish a cooperative framework that fosters synergy in research, education and clinical practice.

Lee emphasized that 2025 is a pivotal year for Chinese medicine in Hong Kong, with the government set to release the city’s first-ever blueprint outlining short, medium and long-term development goals for the sector.

He added that the blueprint aims to enhance healthcare quality for residents and position Hong Kong as a global gateway for Chinese medicine and herbal products.