通过系统开发和整合改造中医药

October 2024 Prologue Chinese Medicine Development: An Overview In the past twenty years, there has been significant progress in the professional development ofChinese medicine (CM). This has increased confidence in its effectiveness and led to a recognitionthat both CM and western medicine offer distinct advantages. In response to these developments,the Government has actively fostered the growth of CM to address the diverse healthcare needs ofthe public. CM, with its emphasis on the concepts of “strengthening one’s innate health and cultivatingvitality（固本培元）”, “syndrome differentiation and treatment（辨證論治）”, “holistic approach（整體觀念）”, and “moderate treatment and conditioning（溫和調理）”, offers unique advantagesthat complement the treatment-based healthcare system in Hong Kong (Wong et al., 2012;國立中國醫藥研究所, 2002a, 2002b;孫其新, 2008;馬萬里,劉昭純, 2019). This not only aligns withthe Government's vision outlined in thePrimary Healthcare Blueprintearlier, but also contributes toimproving the overall health of the public while reducing long-term healthcare and financial burdenson the community. The elderly have increasingly valued the preventive and holistic benefits of CM, a trend that is clearlyreflected in the number of claims and share of CM services in the Elderly Health Care VoucherScheme (EHVS). The number of claims for CM services rose from 860,927 in 2017 to 1,647,630in 2022, representing a remarkable growth of 91.38%. At the same time, its share increasedsignificantly from 24.69% in 2017 to 39.43% in 2022. These changes indicate a growingpreference and demand for CM among the elderly population (Department of Health, 2019, 2024;Legislative Council, 2023). World Health Organization and the Role of Traditional Medicine The World Health Organization (WHO) has long been attentive to the role and function of traditionalmedicine in primary healthcare development. TheAlma-Ata Declaration, published in 1978,emphasised the role of traditional practitioners in providing primary healthcare and referral servicesto improve local health conditions (World Health Organization, 1978). In addition, in 2002, 2013,2018, and 2022, WHO issued guidances on traditional and complementary medicine, including itsintegration into primary care and referral systems. The guidelines further clarified the significant rolesthat traditional medicine can play in primary care practice, including the prevention and managementof chronic diseases, alleviation of symptoms or disease control, and enhancing healthcare accessibilityto improve public health (World Health Organization, 2002, 2009, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019). Primary Healthcare Blueprint Primary Healthcare Blueprintacknowledges that “CM plays an important role in the area of primaryhealthcare to safeguard public health and well-being in concerted efforts with the other healthcareprofessions”. (Health Bureau, 2022e) This is achieved through various means such as includingCM in the reference framework, strategic purchasing, and the formulation of primary healthcaretraining programmes for Chinese medicine practitioners (CMPs). It shows that developing CM canmeet individuals' healthcare needs and align with the international practice, as well as Hong Kongpolicy directions. CM practitioners, like family doctors, can provideprimary care services as well as continuity of care. Patient focus group interviewee Research Objective, Framework and Methodology While promoting the advancement of CM, it is crucial for the Government to address the multifacetedaspects of CM practices including both software and hardware, and enhance the coordinationbetween Chinese and Western medicine within the broader healthcare system. This holistic approachis essential not only for meeting the growing healthcare demands but also for improving patientoutcomes in Hong Kong by utilising the strengths of both traditional and modern systems. In light ofthis, our study explores how can CM be promoted systematically and be better integrated into thehealthcare system. Drawing reference from the WHO framework, to strengthen the healthcare system, we should focuson the following six key components: (1) leadership and governance, (2) service delivery, (3) healthworkforce, (4) health system financing, (5) health information systems, and (6) medical technology andclinical research (World Health Organization, 2007). This report also adopts the WHO framework toconduct a comprehensive assessment of the role and function of CM services within Hong Kong'shealthcare system, particularly in primary healthcare services. To achieve this goal, this study incorporates the following two qualitative research: conducting focusgroup and in-depth interviews with patient groups and key stakeholders from both CM and otherhealthcare sectors. Research FrameworkFigure 2 StrengtheningCMGovernance andEnhancing Its Role 1.1Varying Focus of CM Organisations The CM industry in Hong Kong currently has a decentralised organisational structure. Acc