Background
Chinese medicine is an integral part of the Chinese
culture. It has been used for prevention and treatment of diseases as
well as health maintenance and has made significant contribution to
the health of public. Chinese medicine is popular in Hong Kong for it
has been used in the community for many years. At present, about 22%
of the medical consultations in Hong Kong are currently provided by
Chinese medicine practitioners.
Working Party on Chinese Medicine
Chinese medicine has a long history in Hong Kong.
Starting from the 80's, society's concern towards Chinese medicine grows
and the Hong Kong Government appointed the Working Party on Chinese
Medicine in August 1989. The Working Party was tasked to review the
practice and use of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong and advise measures
that should be taken to promote the proper use and good practice of
Chinese medicine. The Working Party submitted a report in October 1994.
Preparatory Committee on Chinese Medicine
Following the Working Party's recommendations, the
Hong Kong Government appointed the Preparatory Committee on Chinese
Medicine ("The Preparatory Committee") in April 1995 to make
recommendations to the government on the promotion, development and
regulation of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong. During its four years of
appointment, the Preparatory Committee conducted a census on Chinese
medicine practitioners in Hong Kong; reviewed the use and control of
Chinese medicine; and recommended measures for regulation and development
of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong. The Preparatory Committee submitted
two reports to the government in March 1997 and March 1999 respectively.
For better protection of public health, the Preparatory Committee recommended
a statutory body be set up to regulate the practice, use and trading
of Chinese medicine; a system of accreditation and regulation which
include registration, examination and discipline of Chinese medicine
practitioners be established with transitional arrangements for existing
practitioners; and a control mechanism, through systems of registration,
licensing and labeling be set up to regulate the manufacture, distribution,
retail and import and export of Chinese medicines. Regarding the future
development of Chinese medicine, the Preparatory Committee recommended
full-time education in Chinese medicine be developed and made available
in Hong Kong; scientific researches and developments in Chinese medicine
be encouraged and supported; and Chinese medicine be included into Hong
Kong's medical and healthcare system on a gradual basis. The public
and members from the Chinese medicine profession and the trade of Chinese
medicines generally support the Preparatory Committee's recommendations
on the direction of development of Chinese medicine.
Government Policy
The policy for the future development of Chinese medicine
was enshrined in the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region. Article 138 of the Basic Law provides that "the Government
of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall, on its own, formulate
policies to develop western and traditional Chinese medicine and to
improve medical and health services. Community organizations and individuals
may provide various medical and health services in accordance with law."
The Government policy on Chinese medicine was well
summarized in the Chief Executive's 1997 and 1998 Policy Address. In
the 1997 Policy Address, the Chief Executive stated that "For the
protection of public health, we aim to introduce a bill in the next
legislative session to establish a statutory framework to recognize
the professional status of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners;
to assess their professional qualifications; to monitor their standards
of practice; and, to regulate the use, manufacture and sale of Chinese
medicine. The establishment of a sound regulatory system will lay a
solid foundation for the future development of traditional Chinese medicine
within our overall medical care system. I strongly believe that Hong
Kong has the potential to develop over time into an international centre
for the manufacture and trading of Chinese medicine, for research, information
and training in the use of Chinese medicine, and for the promotion of
this approach to medical care."
The Secretary for Food and Health conducted a public
consultation on the development of Chinese medicine in the Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region in November 1997 to solicit public opinions.
Based on the Preparatory Committee's recommendations and public views
collected in the consultation, the Chinese Medicine Bill was introduced
into the Legislative Council in February 1999 and was passed in July
the same year.
Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong
The Chinese Medicine Ordinance provides for the setting
up of the Chinese Medicine Council
of Hong Kong ("The Council"). This statutory regulatory
body comprises practising Chinese medicine practitioners, members of
the trade of Chinese medicines, academics, lay persons and government
officials. The Council was established in September 1999 and is responsible
for implementing the regulatory measures for Chinese medicine. For regulation
of Chinese medicine practitioners, the Council has started work on the
registration of Chinese medicine practitioners under the transitional
arrangements and is formulating detailed measures on the examination
and discipline of Chinese medicine practitioners. For Chinese medicines,
upon completion of relevant subsidiary legislations, the Council will
implement the licensing system of Chinese medicines traders and the
registration system of proprietary Chinese medicines by phases. The
safety, efficacy and quality of proprietary Chinese medicines will be
assessed before the products being allowed to be registered. The dispensation,
storage and labeling of Chinese herbal medicines will also be regulated.
Promotion of Chinese Medicine
Meanwhile, three local universities have provided
full-time degree courses on Chinese medicine. In the long run, the local
education institutions could produce an adequate pool of high calibre
professionals to support Hong Kong's development as an international
centre for Chinese medicine.
In addition, the Government of the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region is committed to promote Chinese medicine, measures
include creation of a network of institutions of high standing for research
and development work; development of new drugs for enhancement of the
competitiveness of the Chinese medicine industry; and setting up of
research funds for support of research in Chinese medicine.
In due course, there will be channels in the public
health sector to promote the use of Chinese medicine and the development
of centres for evaluation of health benefits derived from Chinese medicine-based
products through clinical trials and research.
Way Forward
The Food and Health Bureau introduced the Consultation
Document on Health Care Reform in 2000. The consultation paper includes
a section on the way to promote Chinese medicine. The introduction of
Chinese medicine into the public healthcare system constitutes a significant
part, this includes providing out-patient Chinese medicine services
in the public sector, piloting the practice of Chinese medicine in selected
public hospitals, supporting clinical research, and facilitating the
development of standards and models of interface between western and
Chinese medicines.
June 2001
