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Members of the public will be able to further inform themselves about traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) during a month-long programme held under the auspices of a nation-wide campaign called "Promotion of Traditional Chinese Medicine".
The programme in Hong Kong, to be launched on Saturday (November 24), will include exhibitions, carnivals, symposiums and seminars, as well as free consultations by TCM, in order to promote public understanding of traditional Chinese medicine and professional exchanges.
The Hong Kong programme is part of a major public education and promotional campaign organised by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SATCM) and 16 other Mainland government departments.
The activities in Hong Kong, held between November 24 and December 31, are coordinated by the Food and Health Bureau and the Department of Health with support from the Hospital Authority, the schools of Chinese medicine of three local universities and some 40 organisations and bodies in the TCM sector.
All the activities are non-profit-making and will be provided free to members of the public.
Speaking at the press briefing today (November 20), the Deputy Director of Health and chairman of the event's organising committee, Dr Gloria Tam, said that the theme of the campaign is"Inheriting and promoting the fine tradition of Chinese medicine and culture, sharing good health in harmony."
"Being selected as one of the host cities in the campaign's first year of activities gives local professionals an opportunity to gear up their professionalism through exchanges and to further promote Chinese medicine in the community," Dr Tam added.
The nation-wide campaign was launched by Vice Premier Wu Yi at an opening ceremony in July. It will last for three years across the Mainland.
"This is the first nation-wide promotion organised by SATCM. The history of TCM, its scientific theory, unique consultation and effective treatment will be highlighted to deepen the public's understanding of the contribution of Chinese medicine in safeguarding public health.
"Activities are being held this year successively in Beijing, Hebei, Shanxi, Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Xiamen, Hong Kong and Guangdong. Programmes included free medical consultations, seminars and cultural and sports performances," Dr Tam said.
She noted that in the 10 years since Hong Kong's reunification with the Mainland, there has been remarkable progress in the development of Chinese medicine. The government, Chinese medicine professionals and academics have all devoted great efforts to regulating and training professionals as well as promoting Chinese medicine in the community.
Dr Tam thanked the supporting bodies for their valuable assistance in lining up a range of attractive programmes for the public.
The launching ceremony will be held on November 24 at Olympian City in Kowloon. Exhibitions on Chinese medicine and ways to prevent urban diseases, health consultations and quizzes will be held at the same venue on November 24 and 25.
Other major events to be held during that weekend include:
Symposium on global development in Chinese medicine: It will be held at Queen Mary Hospital on November 24 and 25 for health professionals and interested parties to update them on the latest global developments in Chinese medicine.
China-Hong Kong heart-to-heart carnival on Chinese medicines: Chinese medicine organisations will hold a carnival in Chater Garden in Central on November 24. It will feature a ceremony to mark the traditions and history of Chinese medicine and an exhibition on the development of Chinese medicine with samples of Chinese medicine on display. There will also be talks on tips for good health, a lion dance, cultural and sports performances and games stalls.
Professionals from the schools of Chinese medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and Hong Kong Baptist University (Baptist U) will provide consultations to a number of elderly homes on November 24 and 25.
The School of Chinese Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, Baptist U's School of Chinese Medicine and CUHK¡¦s School of Chinese Medicine will conduct three seminars on November 25 for Chinese medicine practitioners to share their experiences.
Over 300 Chinese medicine clinics will provide free consultations to the public on the afternoon of November 25.
A series of programmes including health talks and guided tours to Chinese herbal medicine gardens, organised by various bodies, will also be conducted during the event period.
Information on the "Promotion of Traditional Chinese Medicine ¡V Hong Kong Programme" can be obtained at the DH website www.dh.gov.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:01
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