Building on the newly launched Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint, Hong Kong health officials are advancing integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with Western practices, particularly for pain management and recovery care. Commissioner Vincent Chung highlighted TCM's advantages in chronic pain, stroke recovery, and cancer palliative care during a Sunday TV interview.
Following the unveiling of Hong Kong's first Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint, which outlines guidance on selecting between TCM and Western medicine, authorities are fostering closer collaboration between practitioners.
Commissioner Vincent Chung Chi-ho emphasized this in a Sunday television interview, noting TCM's strengths in stroke care, chronic pain management, and cancer palliative care. "We need to guide the general public on when they should seek help from Chinese medicine and when it is better to consult Western medicine," he said. "We will work out a list of illnesses."
Chung stressed cross-disciplinary approaches for optimal results, with TCM playing a key role alongside physiotherapists and nurses in post-acute recovery. The initiative also aims to expand TCM's presence in primary healthcare by identifying suitable conditions.