Quota increased for gov’t-funded Chinese medicine services in 18 CMCTRs

The yearly quota will rise by 30% YoY in service capacity.

Starting October, the annual quota for government subsidised Chinese medicine services in 18 Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centre (CMCTRs) will rise to 800,000.

The recent development stemmed from CMCTRs completion to prepare for the increased quota this year.

“Since March 2020, CMCTRs have been providing Government subsidised CM services on treatment-related CM general consultation (with maximum 5 doses of prescribed medication), acupuncture service and bone-setting/tui-na treatments (available in some CMCTRs) to eligible Hong Kong residents,” read the statement.

Each type of service is charged at $120 per visit and the fees are waived for recipients of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance and the Old Age Living Allowance aged 75 or above.

Aside from this, 18 CMCTRs also provide non-subsidised CM services as alternative options for patients.

A hospital authority spokesman said the increased quota will enhance primary healthcare services. 

“The HA has all along been supporting the Government on CM development. Through 18 CMCTRs, the HA will continue to provide CM service and promote Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine service, while also to nourish CM expertise through professional training and research development,” read the statement.