The expert group led by the leader of the Mainland Chinese medicine (CM) expert group of the Central Authorities, Mr Tong Xiaolin, continued its visit in Hong Kong today (April 3).

     The expert group met and exchanged views with the President of the Federation of the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Chinese Medicines Traders Association, Mr Tommy Li; the Chairman of the Federation, Professor Chan Wing-kwong; and other representatives of CM sector organisations to learn about the latest work progress of the "Fight the Virus Together – Chinese Medicine Telemedicine Scheme" (the Scheme) which is funded by the Food and Health Bureau through the Chinese Medicine Development Fund.

     The Scheme provides subsidies to CM practitioners to provide free CM telemedicine services and delivery service of CM drugs to COVID-19 patients, enabling the CM sector to commit in the anti-epidemic efforts in full swing and mobilising the strengths and resources of Hong Kong's CM sector which are concentrated in the private market. The Scheme is co-ordinated by the Federation of the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Chinese Medicines Traders Association. The first phase of the Scheme has been open to registration by patients since March 22, expecting to benefit 20 000 patients.

     Furthermore, the expert group also exchanged views with the sector representatives regarding the participation of CM sector in anti-epidemic efforts, and offered views on the long-term development of CM in Hong Kong.

     The expert group then proceeded to visit the Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) Chinese Medicine Telemedicine Centre Against COVID-19 to learn more about the free CM prevention and treatment services provided by the HKBU for COVID-19 patients, their close contacts and carers. The HKBU President and Vice-Chancellor,  Professor Alexander Wai; Associate Vice-President (Chinese Medicine Development), Professor Bian Zhaoxiang; Dean of the School of Chinese Medicine, Professor Lyu Aiping; and relevant representatives introduced to the expert group the operation of the Centre as well as HKBU's participation in other CM anti-epidemic initiatives. Both sides also discussed the overall situation and treatment plans of the infected patients.

     Led by Mr Tong, the Mainland CM expert group arrived in Hong Kong on March 29 to conduct visits.

Ends/Sunday, April 3, 2022
Issued at HKT 20:20

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