The government is committed to fostering a world-class Chinese Medicine ecosystem in Hong Kong, aligning with national strategies to promote its inheritance and innovation, as well as its integration with Western medicine, said Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday.
His remarks were made at the launch ceremony of the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong and the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute, themed “Flagship in Motion · Connecting the World”.
Lee noted that the official inauguration of the two flagship institutions marks a pivotal step in the city’s establishment of an integrated Chinese Medicine ecosystem that links academic institutions to clinical practice, and scientific research to industrial development.
In tandem with the Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint released last month, the two institutions will drive advancements across Chinese Medicine services, talent cultivation, industrial development, and scientific research, positioning Hong Kong as a key “bridgehead” for Chinese Medicine to expand its global reach.
Lee also highlighted the strong demand the hospital has received since its opening in December, seeing fully booked subsidized outpatient services and positive feedback from patients.
He said the hospital will further serve as a clinical research hub for Chinese Medicine drug development and a teaching hospital for three local universities to nurture more talent.
The testing institute will focus on the development of advanced Chinese Medicine testing technologies and standards, strengthen industry-wide quality control for Chinese Medicine and related products, and deepen exchanges and cooperation with mainland and international institutions.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the National Health Commission Lei Haichao proposed three expectations for Hong Kong’s Chinese Medicine development, including prioritizing public service by deepening collaboration between traditional Chinese and Western medicine, promoting a hub for Chinese Medicine and talent aggregation in the Greater Bay Area and supporting Chinese Medicine’s globalization.
He added that Chinese Medicine has now reached 196 countries and regions, with the country pushing for its high-quality integration into the Belt and Road Initiative and deeper cooperation with global partners and international organizations.
