Introduction

In a significant step towards rejuvenating traditional healthcare practices, Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, convened a joint meeting of the Chinese Medicine Development Committee (CMDC) and its three pivotal subcommittees on December 17. This strategic gathering aimed to discuss and propel various initiatives outlined in the Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address, focusing on the enhancement and global positioning of Chinese medicine (CM) in Hong Kong.

Government Commitment

Professor Lo emphasized the integral role of CM within Hong Kong's healthcare system, stating, "Chinese medicine not only embodies a traditional strength of our city but is vital to our healthcare landscape." He reiterated the government's commitment to harnessing the unique strengths of CM to contribute to the national landscape and elevate its quality standards in Hong Kong.

Key Developments

During this critical meeting, officials from relevant government departments and organizations shared noteworthy advances in several CM policy initiatives.

- **Blueprint Development**: The government continues to engage stakeholders to finalize a strategic blueprint for the further development of CM.

- **Integrated Healthcare Initiatives**: By leveraging Hong Kong's dual-track healthcare system, which harmoniously incorporates both Chinese and Western medicine, the government aims to foster the internationalization of CM. This includes extensive research into herb-drug interactions to enhance clinical practices.

- **Expansion of Integrated Services**: The Hospital Authority plans to broaden its Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine (ICWM) services. Pilot programs targeting prevalent conditions, such as respiratory diseases and knee osteoarthritis, will be initiated to address common ailments associated with the aging population.

- **Chinese Medicine Hospital Launch**: Preparatory work is underway for the commissioning of the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK), slated to begin operations in phases by the end of next year. This facility will offer a comprehensive range of services, including specialized outpatient and inpatient care across various disciplines of CM such as Gynaecology, Paediatrics, and Orthopaedics.

- **Digital Herbarium**: The establishment of a state-of-the-art Digital Herbarium by the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute is a notable milestone achieved earlier this year, facilitating advanced research and development in CM.

- **International Collaboration**: The Department of Health is actively fostering international collaboration in CM, recently hosting a World Health Organization meeting to develop an International Herbal Pharmacopoeia, which aims to set global standards for herbal medicines.

- **Funding and Talent Development**: The Chinese Medicine Development Fund is expanding its scope to support innovative projects, including the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Talent Training Programme formed in collaboration with national authorities to cultivate future talent in this field.

- **Cultural Engagement**: Beginning in December and running until February, Hong Kong will hold its inaugural Chinese Medicine Culture Festival, designed to engage the public and foster a deeper understanding of CM's traditional wisdom.

- **Response to Seasonal Demand**: Call to action for CM practitioners to extend consultation hours to ensure the supply of essential herbal medicines is stable during peak seasonal demands.

Conclusion

Professor Lo also reflected on timely exchanges held at the 6th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Conference and the World Conference on Traditional Medicine earlier this year, where discussions centered on enhancing collaboration and sharing Hong Kong's advancements in CM.

The CMDC, established in 2013, is tasked with guiding the long-term strategies for CM development in Hong Kong. As this initiative gains momentum, it paves the way for Hong Kong to emerge as a significant hub for the internationalization of traditional Chinese medicine, blending time-honored practices with modern scientific advancements.

These developments hold monumental implications for the future of healthcare in Hong Kong and may potentially reshape global perceptions of Chinese medicine. As the city embraces its cultural heritage, it stands on the brink of not just reviving traditional practices but also leading the way for their global recognition and acceptance. Stay tuned for what’s next in this fascinating journey!