NICM partners with Hong Kong’s first public hospital dedicated to traditional Chinese medicine

Western Sydney University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK), Hong Kong’s first public hospital dedicated to traditional Chinese medicine. The MOU aims to enhance international collaboration and scientific knowledge in Chinese herbal medicine, with a focus on clinical research, clinical guideline development, herb-drug interactions, and training.

The National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM) also hosted the CMHHK delegation for a tour of its facilities and engaged in productive discussion on future collaboration.

CMHHK aims to strengthen its research capabilities by collaborating with NICM and Western Sydney University, with key initiatives including the development of integrated clinical service models combining Chinese medicine, conventional medicine and allied health; support for student exchanges and clinical placements; promotion of safe herb-drug use through shared data collection and management; and advancing innovations in Chinese medicine development.

Scheduled to open in December 2025, the Hospital’s specialties will include internal medicine, surgery, gynaecology, paediatrics, orthopaedics and acupuncture through inpatient and outpatient care, day-patient, and rehabilitation services. It will also house Hong Kong's largest Chinese medicine pharmacy.

Beyond clinical services, it aims to be a hub for education, research, and international collaboration in traditional Chinese medicine, providing clinical training for students from local and engage in research initiatives, including clinical trials and the development of Chinese medicines.

NICM Director, Professor Dennis Chang, said the Institute was proud to be the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong’s first international research partner, highlighting the strength of NICM’s reputation for world-class research in this field.

“Traditional Chinese Medicine represents a global industry valued at over $130 billion, and is one of the key focuses of our research programs at NICM,” he said

“This strategic partnership with CMHHK will strengthen the integration of safe, evidence-based Chinese medicine practices into conventional healthcare systems in both Australia and Hong Kong, boost our collective research impact, improve practitioner skills and foster vital international collaborations in Chinese medicine research.”