Visitors applaud warm, people-centered design at Chinese Medicine Hospital open days

The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong hosted public open days on Saturday and Sunday, one month after commencing services, drawing positive feedback from visitors who praised its welcoming environment and comprehensive facilities.

During the open days, the hospital opened its general clinic, day ward, integrated rehabilitation center, and garden to registered visitors. All 1,600 available time slots were fully booked shortly after registration opened.

Wong, one of the visitors, said she found the hospital’s day-patient services refreshing and expressed anticipation for the launch of inpatient services, which she believes will offer more targeted treatment.

“I noticed there are fumigation treatments that are said to help with joint pain. I really look forward to it,” she said.

Another visitor, Ng, described the facility as more human-centered than conventional hospitals.

“Ordinary hospitals are all white when you walk in, but this place gives people a very warm feeling,” she said.

Ace, a master’s student studying Chinese medicine, visited the hospital to explore potential career opportunities.

“There is a testing institute next door focused on scientific research. It will be a good career path for me if I want to pursue a doctoral degree or higher education in the future,” he said.

Chief Executive Bian Zhaoxiang said the hospital’s initial phase of operations has proceeded smoothly, adding that strong public demand for specialist services had prompted three rounds of outpatient quota increases.

“We initially doubled the slots, followed by two additional rounds of 30 percent increases—these adjustments mainly applied to government-subsidized services,” he said.

Bian added that the hospital plans to recruit additional medical practitioners and support staff to meet rising demand.

He also said the first cohort of Chinese medicine students will begin their internships at the hospital in September, as the institution accelerates the development of specialist and day treatment services to better serve community needs.